Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
A nurse is preparing to assess a client's thyroid gland. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Instruct the client to take small sips of water. This action helps the nurse assess the thyroid gland's size, shape, and movement as the client swallows. Asking the client to take small sips of water facilitates the palpation of the thyroid gland and helps identify any abnormalities. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B, asking the client to hyperextend their neck, can distort the thyroid gland's position and make it difficult to assess accurately. Choice C, inspecting the isthmus as the client holds their breath, is not a standard technique for assessing the thyroid gland. Choice D, assisting the client to a supine position, is not necessary for a thyroid assessment and may not provide optimal access to the gland.