A client presents at the emergency department reporting a raspy voice, cold intolerance, and fatigue. Laboratory tests indicate an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and low T3 and T4 levels. After the client is admitted to the telemetry unit, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Offer additional blankets and a warm drink.
Note the client's most recent hemoglobin level.
Administer prescribed dose of levothyroxine.
Assess for presence of non-pitting edema.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect- While providing comfort measures like blankets and warm drinks can help the client feel more comfortable, they do not address the underlying thyroid hormone imbalance.
B) Incorrect- Hemoglobin level is not directly related to the client's symptoms or the thyroid hormone imbalance. Monitoring hemoglobin is important in assessing anemia but is not the priority in this case.
C) Correct- The client's symptoms (raspy voice, cold intolerance, fatigue) along with an elevated TSH and low T3 and T4 levels suggest hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Administering the prescribed dose of levothyroxine is crucial to address the thyroid hormone imbalance and alleviate the symptoms.
D. Incorrect- Non-pitting edema is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The client's symptoms and lab results are more indicative of hypothyroidism, and addressing the thyroid hormone imbalance is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. Inform the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication.
Choice A rationale:
While discussing medication side effects with the healthcare provider is important, it does not address the immediate concern of discontinuing the medication safely. The nurse should provide guidance on the proper discontinuation process.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that side effects will most likely dissipate over time may not be accurate for all individuals and does not address the client’s desire to stop the medication.
Choice C rationale:
Informing the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication is crucial. Abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a potential relapse of depression.
Choice D rationale:
Reminding the client that feeling better is the therapeutic effect of the medication is true, but it does not address the client’s concern about discontinuing the medication safely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect - Initiating continuous dopamine infusion is not a priority in this situation. The client's low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances require more immediate attention.
B) Incorrect - Administering promethazine addresses symptoms like nausea and vomiting, but it doesn't address the primary issue of hypovolemia and low blood pressure.
C) Incorrect - Administering potassium chloride without addressing the fluid deficit can be dangerous and may lead to further electrolyte imbalances.
D) Correct- The client's vital signs and laboratory results indicate hypovolemia (low blood pressure, low sodium, and low potassium). The immediate priority is to address the fluid deficit and correct the electrolyte imbalances. Administering a bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) will help increase intravascular volume and improve blood pressure, as well as correct the electrolyte imbalances to some extent.
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