Which symptom would most likely indicate complications following a thyroidectomy?

Following a thyroidectomy, the most concerning symptom is coughing that could lead to incision stress. This is particularly relevant because coughing increases intrathoracic pressure, which could put strain on the surgical incision. This strain might lead to complications such as hematoma formation or delayed wound healing, which are significant concerns in post-operative care.

Persistent nausea, excessive thirst, and skin rash, while they may occur in various contexts, are not specific indicators of complications following a thyroidectomy. For instance, nausea could be a result of anesthesia or pain medication rather than a direct result of surgical complications. Excessive thirst is usually linked to dehydration or metabolic changes, and a skin rash is often unrelated to the surgical site or the procedure itself. Therefore, monitoring for symptoms that could directly affect the surgical site, like coughing causing incision stress, is crucial for early identification of post-operative complications.