In the PACU, which finding is least likely to be associated with a postoperative thyroidectomy patient?

In the context of a postoperative thyroidectomy patient, low hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are typically not a direct or immediate consequence of the surgery itself. While it is possible for any surgical procedure to lead to some blood loss, and subsequently a decrease in hemoglobin, a thyroidectomy does not commonly result in significant hemorrhage when performed correctly.

The other findings, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with complications or typical postoperative presentations in patients who have undergone thyroid surgery. High calcium levels can occur if there is accidental damage to the parathyroid glands during the procedure, which might lead to hypercalcemia due to increased parathyroid hormone secretion. Hoarseness can arise from injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a complication that is well-documented in thyroid surgeries. Swelling at the surgical site can be expected following any type of surgical intervention, including thyroidectomy, due to the natural inflammatory response to surgery and potential edema.

Thus, low hemoglobin levels are less likely to be specifically associated with the postoperative state of a patient who has undergone a thyroidectomy compared to the other provided options.