A client is experiencing a thyroid storm precipitated by a right lower lobe pneumonia. The vital signs are: HR-140/min; RR-28, B/P-196/54; T-101.4°F, Pulse Oximetry-96%. What action should the nurse take?
Prepare for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support.
Provide continuous sedation for pain relief.
Initiate cardiac monitoring and assess for reflex bradycardia.
Maintain IV fluid infusion and assess adequacy of hydration.
The Correct Answer is D
hoice A reason: Preparing for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with respiratory failure or impending airway obstruction, which are not the case for this client.
Choice B reason: Providing continuous sedation for pain relief is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention may worsen the client's condition by suppressing the respiratory drive and lowering the blood pressure. The nurse should administer antithyroid medications, beta blockers, and corticosteroids as prescribed to reduce the thyroid hormone levels and the associated symptoms.
Choice C reason: Initiating cardiac monitoring and assessing for reflex bradycardia is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with hyperkalemia or digoxin toxicity, which are not the case for this client. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm, but not expect a reflex bradycardia, which is a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate in response to a rapid rise in blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Maintaining IV fluid infusion and assessing adequacy of hydration is the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with thyroid storm, as they are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to increased metabolic rate, fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nurse should administer isotonic fluids, such as normal saline, and monitor the client's fluid intake and output, urine specific gravity, and serum electrolytes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not suitable for a client with hypertension. Fried foods, processed meats, and baked beans are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cake is a source of added sugar that can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Choice B reason: This is a moderate-fat, moderate-sodium, and moderate-calorie meal that is not ideal for a client with hypertension. Fried flounder and tomato soup are sources of fat and sodium that can increase blood pressure. White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.
Choice C reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not appropriate for a client with hypertension. Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fresh green beans are the only healthy component of this meal.
Choice D reason: This is a low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie meal that is suitable for a client with hypertension. Baked tuna, fresh broccoli, brown rice, and fresh cantaloupe are sources of lean protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent obesity and diabetes, and promote cardiovascular health.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most concerning result for the nurse. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A high creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which can be a complication of hypertension. The normal range of creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. A creatinine level of 3.2 mg/dL is more than twice the upper limit of normal and suggests severe kidney damage.
Choice B reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves and muscles, especially the heart. The normal range of potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, but not enough to cause serious problems. A low potassium level can be caused by diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium level and symptoms, and advise the client to eat foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Choice C reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. The normal range of hemoglobin is 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL for women. A hemoglobin level of 12.8 g/dL is within the normal range for women and slightly below the normal range for men, but not enough to cause significant anemia. A low hemoglobin level can be caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, or bone marrow disorders. The nurse should assess the client's history, diet, and symptoms, and check for other signs of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Choice D reason: This is not a concerning result for the nurse. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A high BUN level indicates impaired kidney function or dehydration. The normal range of BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is at the upper limit of normal, but not enough to indicate serious kidney problems. The nurse should ensure that the client is well hydrated and monitor the client's urine output and specific gravity.
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