A client who is admitted for primary hypothyroidism has early signs of myxedema coma.
In assessing the client, in which sequence should the nurse complete these actions? (Rank the first action at the top with the remainder in descending order.).
Palpate for pedal edema.
Assess blood pressure.
Measure body temperature.
Observe breathing patterns.
The Correct Answer is D,B,C,A
Rationalizing the Priority
1. Airway/Breathing (D):
The "A" and "B" of the ABCs take precedence. In myxedema coma, hypoventilation is a primary concern. The client may experience respiratory muscle weakness or a decreased drive to breathe, leading to CO₂ retention and respiratory failure. Assessing the rate, depth, and effort of breathing is the absolute first step.
2. Circulation (B):
Once the airway is confirmed, you assess the "C" (Circulation). Myxedema coma causes severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output, which leads to hypotension. Assessing blood pressure tells the nurse if the client is in cardiogenic shock.
3. Vital Signs/Metabolic State (C):
Hypothermia is a hallmark sign of myxedema coma (temperatures can often drop below 95°F or 35°C). While critical, it is addressed after ensuring the heart is pumping and the lungs are moving air. Monitoring temperature is vital because rapid rewarming can actually cause vasodilation and worsen shock.
4. Focused Physical Assessment (A):
Palpating for edema is an important part of a head-to-toe assessment for hypothyroidism (non-pitting mucinous edema is common), but it is not a life-saving intervention. It is a secondary assessment compared to the vital signs and respiratory status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Notify your healthcare provider if you start having abdominal pain.
Choice A rationale:
Exenatide does not act in the same way as insulin. Insulin directly lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, while exenatide is an incretin mimetic that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying.
Choice B rationale:
Exenatide should be injected within 30 minutes before or after a meal, but this is not the most critical information for discharge instructions.
Choice C rationale:
There are precautions about taking exenatide with other medications, especially those that affect kidney function or interact with exenatide.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the healthcare provider if abdominal pain starts is crucial because exenatide can cause side effects such as pancreatitis, which presents with severe abdominal pain. Early detection and intervention are essential for patient safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Activate the lockdown procedure.
Choice A rationale:
Asking the mother about expected visitors is important for later investigation, but it does not address the immediate concern of a potentially missing infant and delays necessary security measures.
Choice B rationale:
Matching ID bands is an essential step in verifying the identity of infants and mothers, but it should follow initial actions to secure the area and prevent possible abduction.
Choice C rationale:
Determining if the newborn is in the nursery is a logical step but not the first priority. The immediate action should be to secure the unit to prevent any potential abductor from leaving.
Choice D rationale:
Activating the lockdown procedure is the first priority to ensure the safety of the infant and prevent any unauthorized individuals from leaving the facility. This step is crucial to quickly address the situation and prevent potential abduction.
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