A client has a history of atrial fibrillation and is taking an oral anticoagulant. The client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and placed on levothyroxine.
What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Monitoring the client for increased bruising.
Assessing for signs and symptoms of infection.
Assessing the client’s level of consciousness.
Monitoring the client’s electrolyte levels.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because levothyroxine can increase the anticoagulant effect of oral anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding. The nurse should check the client’s prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) regularly and report any abnormal values to the prescriber.
Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism does not increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because hypothyroidism does not affect the level of consciousness unless it is severe and causes myxedema coma.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause electrolyte imbalances.
Normal ranges for prothrombin time are 11 to 13.5 seconds and for INR are 0.8 to 1.22.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because levothyroxine can increase the anticoagulant effect of oral anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding. The nurse should check the client’s prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) regularly and report any abnormal values to the prescriber.
Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism does not increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because hypothyroidism does not affect the level of consciousness unless it is severe and causes myxedema coma.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause electrolyte imbalances.
Normal ranges for prothrombin time are 11 to 13.5 seconds and for INR are 0.8 to 1.22.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption and decrease urine output. Neurogenic diabetes insipidus is a condition caused by a deficiency of ADH due to damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Patients with this condition have excessive thirst and urination, dehydration, and low urine specific gravity.
Choice B. Methylprednisolone is wrong because it is a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation and immune response.
It is not used to treat diabetes insipidus.
Choice C. Dexamethasone is wrong because it is also a corticosteroid that has similar effects as methylprednisolone.
It is not used to treat diabetes insipidus.
Choice D. Physostigmine is wrong because it is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases the levels of acetylcholine in the body.
It is used to treat myasthenia gravis and anticholinergic poisoning.
It has no effect on diabetes insipidus.
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