A client who has Graves’ disease is prescribed methimazole.
Which of the following effects should the nurse expect to see after the client has taken the medication for 2 months?
Weight loss.
Increase in pulse rate.
Increased sleeping.
Warmer skin.
The Correct Answer is C
Methimazole is an antithyroid medication that blocks the thyroid from making thyroid hormones. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess hormones. After taking methimazole for 2 months, the client should expect to see a reduction in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased pulse rate, and heat intolerance. Increased sleeping is a sign of improved thyroid function, as hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia and restlessness.
Choice A is wrong because weight loss is a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the thyroid hormone levels and help the client gain weight.
Choice B is wrong because an increase in pulse rate is also a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the heart rate and blood pressure by reducing thyroid hormone levels.
Choice D is wrong because warmer skin is another symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should improve the client’s heat tolerance and make the skin cooler and less sweaty.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a high level of potassium in the blood (the normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) and can be dangerous for the heart.
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from losing too much potassium in the urine. It can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially in people with kidney disease, diabetes, or severe illness. The nurse should check the potassium level before giving triamterene and hold the medication if it is above 5 mEq/L.
The other choices are incorrect because:
Choice A: Sodium 142 mEq/L.
This is a normal level of sodium in the blood (the normal range is 135 to 145 mEq/L) and does not require withholding triamterene. Triamterene can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) by increasing the excretion of sodium in the urine. The nurse should monitor the sodium level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of low sodium such as confusion, weakness, or seizures.
Choice B: BUN 16 mg/dL.
This is a normal level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood (normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL) and does not require withholding
triamterene. BUN is a measure of kidney function and can be elevated in kidney disease or dehydration. Triamterene can cause an increase in BUN by reducing the blood flow to the kidneys or by interacting with other medications that affect the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the BUN level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of kidney impairment such as decreased urine output, swelling, or nausea. •
Choice D: Albumin 4 g/dL.
This is a normal level of albumin in the blood (the normal range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL) and does not require withholding triamterene. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Triamterene does not affect albumin levels directly, but it can cause fluid loss or retention that may alter albumin levels indirectly. The nurse should monitor the albumin level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of fluid imbalance such as weight changes, edema, or shortness of breath.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body by drawing water into the blood vessels. Albumin infusion can increase the blood volume and blood pressure in patients who are in shock due to fluid loss or sepsis.
Choice A is wrong because albumin infusion does not decrease protein levels in the body.
Albumin is a protein itself and adding it to the blood increases the protein concentration.
Choice C is wrong because oxygen saturation of 96% is normal and does not indicate any improvement or deterioration in the patient’s condition.
Choice D is wrong because PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg is low and indicates respiratory alkalosis, which can be caused by hyperventilation, fever, or anxiety. Albumin infusion does not affect PaCO2 levels directly.
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