A client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
What symptoms or signs would be expected with this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

These are some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism, temperature and heart rate.

Choice A is wrong because a pulse of 126 is too high for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism usually causes a slow heart rate (bradycardia), not a fast one (tachycardia). A normal resting pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Choice E is wrong because a pulse of 54 is within the normal range for

hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause a pulse rate lower than 60 beats per minute, but this is not always abnormal. Some people, such as athletes, may have a lower resting pulse rate due to their fitness level.

The normal ranges for thyroid function tests are:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): 0.4 to 4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L).
• Free thyroxine (T4): 0.8 to 2.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
• Total triiodothyronine (T3): 80 to 220 ng/dL.

What is your understanding of the situation?”. This is a therapeutic response because it respects the client’s autonomy and invites them to share their concerns and feelings about the surgery.

Choice A is wrong because it is authoritarian and dismissive of the client’s feelings. It does not acknowledge the client’s right to refuse treatment.

Choice C is wrong because it is nontherapeutic and shows agreement with the client’s refusal. It also implies that the nurse and the doctor are on different sides.

Choice D is wrong because it is manipulative and guilt-tripping. It implies that the client does not care about their loved ones or their own life.