A client has been diagnosed with myxedema from long-standing hypothyroidism. What clinical manifestations of this disorder does the nurse recognize as progressing to myxedema coma? Select all that apply.
Hypertension
Restlessness
Increased level of alertness
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Hypoventilation
Hyperventilation
Correct Answer : E,F,G
Choice A reason:
Hypertension is not typically associated with myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is characterized by severe hypothyroidism, which usually leads to low blood pressure (hypotension) rather than high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, hypertension is not a clinical manifestation that indicates progression to myxedema coma.
Choice B reason:
Restlessness is not a common symptom of myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma often present with lethargy, confusion, or even coma due to the severe slowing of metabolic processes. Restlessness is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism or other conditions that increase metabolic activity.
Choice C reason:
An increased level of alertness is contrary to the symptoms of myxedema coma. Myxedema coma typically presents with decreased mental status, including confusion, stupor, or coma. Therefore, an increased level of alertness would not be indicative of progression to myxedema coma.
Choice D reason:
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is not a typical symptom of myxedema coma. Instead, myxedema coma is associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate) due to the severe hypothyroid state. Tachycardia is more commonly seen in hyperthyroid conditions.
Choice E reason:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a key clinical manifestation of myxedema coma. The severe hypothyroid state leads to decreased cardiac output and vascular resistance, resulting in hypotension. This is a critical sign that the nurse should recognize as indicative of progression to myxedema coma.
Choice F reason:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is another hallmark of myxedema coma. The decreased metabolic rate in severe hypothyroidism leads to a reduced heart rate. Recognizing bradycardia is essential in identifying the progression to myxedema coma.
Choice G reason:
Hypoventilation (reduced breathing rate) is a significant symptom of myxedema coma. The severe hypothyroid state can lead to respiratory depression, resulting in hypoventilation. This can further exacerbate the patient’s condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice H reason:
Hyperventilation (increased breathing rate) is not associated with myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma typically experience hypoventilation due to the severe slowing of metabolic processes. Hyperventilation would be more indicative of conditions that increase metabolic activity or respiratory drive.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Baclofen is primarily used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain1. It acts on the spinal cord nerves to decrease the number and severity of muscle spasms, thereby improving muscle movement2. The effectiveness of baclofen in managing multiple sclerosis symptoms is best evaluated by assessing the reduction in muscle spasms.
Choice B reason:
While mood and affect are important aspects of a patient’s overall well-being, they are not the primary indicators of baclofen’s effectiveness. Baclofen does not have a direct impact on mood and affect, as its main function is to relieve muscle spasms and improve muscle movement.
Choice C reason:
Appetite is not a primary concern when evaluating the effectiveness of baclofen. This medication is not known to significantly affect appetite. The main therapeutic goal of baclofen is to reduce muscle spasms and improve mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Choice D reason:
Sleep pattern, although important for overall health, is not the primary measure of baclofen’s effectiveness. Baclofen’s primary role is to alleviate muscle spasms and improve muscle function. While it may have some impact on sleep due to its muscle-relaxing properties, this is not the main criterion for evaluating its effectiveness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment
Choice A Reason:
Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment
This is the correct answer. A quiet, low-stimulus environment helps to reduce the metabolic demands on the body and prevent overstimulation, which can trigger a thyroid crisis. Hyperthyroidism increases the body’s metabolic rate, and excessive stimulation can exacerbate symptoms and lead to a crisis. Therefore, creating a calm environment is crucial in managing hyperthyroidism and preventing complications.
Choice B Reason:
Keep the client NPO
Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary for preventing a thyroid crisis. While it may be required for certain procedures or if the client is experiencing severe symptoms, it is not a standard intervention for hyperthyroidism management. Therefore, this choice is not correct.
Choice C Reason:
Administer aspirin as prescribed for any sign of hyperthermia
Administering aspirin for hyperthermia is not recommended in clients with hyperthyroidism. Aspirin can increase free thyroid hormone levels by displacing thyroid hormones from their binding proteins, potentially worsening hyperthyroidism. Instead, other antipyretics like acetaminophen are preferred. Therefore, this choice is not correct.
Choice D Reason:
Observe the client carefully for signs of hypocalcemia
Observing for signs of hypocalcemia is not directly related to preventing a thyroid crisis. Hypocalcemia is more commonly associated with thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy rather than hyperthyroidism itself. Therefore, this choice is not correct.
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