A client who has hypothyroidism will be undergoing surgery for a total knee replacement. When planning care for this client, the nurse understands which of the following to be true for people who have hypothyroidism?
They are more prone to hyperthermia and may require cooling measures.
Their levothyroxine should be held for 3 days prior to and after the surgery.
They are at risk of developing tachycardia and should be given propranolol.
They are more sensitive to the effects of opioids and may require lower doses.
The Correct Answer is D
A. They are more prone to hyperthermia and may require cooling measures: Hypothyroidism typically leads to hypothermia (lower body temperature) rather than hyperthermia. Clients with hypothyroidism are more likely to experience difficulty maintaining normal body temperature.
B. Their levothyroxine should be held for 3 days prior to and after the surgery: Levothyroxine should not be held before or after surgery without specific guidance from the healthcare provider. Maintaining consistent thyroid hormone levels is crucial for clients with hypothyroidism.
C. They are at risk of developing tachycardia and should be given propranolol: Hypothyroidism is more commonly associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate) rather than tachycardia (fast heart rate). Propranolol is used to manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
D. They are more sensitive to the effects of opioids and may require lower doses: Clients with hypothyroidism often have a reduced metabolic rate, which can increase their sensitivity to medications, including opioids. Therefore, they may require lower doses of opioids to avoid adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You may need to repeat this therapy again in three weeks if the first dose doesn't achieve optimal results": Radioactive iodine therapy may require additional doses, but this is not determined by a set timeframe such as three weeks. The need for additional therapy is based on the individual’s response and thyroid function tests.
B. "Avoid being close to pregnant women and children for 7 days after your treatment": This is correct as radioactive iodine therapy can emit radiation, and avoiding close contact with vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children helps minimize their exposure to radiation.
C. "You may need to begin corticosteroid replacement therapy after this treatment": This is incorrect because corticosteroid replacement is not typically required after radioactive iodine therapy for Graves' disease. The treatment primarily targets the thyroid gland.
D. "The purpose of this therapy is to increase your levels of thyroid hormone": This is incorrect. The purpose of radioactive iodine therapy is to reduce thyroid hormone production by destroying thyroid tissue, which helps to manage hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hyperthermia: This is not commonly associated with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is more likely to lead to a decreased metabolic rate and hypothermia rather than hyperthermia.
B. Hyperlipidemia: This is a common condition associated with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can lead to increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides due to decreased metabolism.
C. Agitation: Hypothyroidism typically presents with symptoms such as fatigue and depression rather than agitation. Agitation is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism.
D. Insomnia: Insomnia is more often associated with hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism usually leads to symptoms like fatigue and sleepiness rather than insomnia.
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