A client who is having gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties is undergoing diagnostic procedures.

The client asks the nurse about the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Which information should the nurse offer?

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.

In this scenario, the client's sudden onset of feeling apprehensive, restlessness, and increased body temperature are consistent with symptoms of a thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis. Thyroid crisis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Initiating IV access is crucial to ensure the prompt administration of medications and fluids to manage the thyroid crisis effectively. IV access allows for the administration of beta-blockers, antithyroid drugs, and supportive care, which are essential components of the treatment for thyroid crisis. IV access also provides a route for fluid resuscitation if necessary.

Accessing laboratory results to confirm a thyroid crisis is important, but the clinical presentation of the client with sudden onset symptoms and a known history of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism suggests the need for immediate intervention rather than waiting for laboratory confirmation.

Obtaining a complete set of vital signs is an important assessment to gather comprehensive data, but in the case of a suspected thyroid crisis, immediate intervention takes precedence over obtaining vital signs.

Encouraging relaxation and slow deep breathing may be beneficial in managing anxiety or discomfort, but it does not address the underlying emergency situation of a thyroid crisis. The nurse should focus on initiating appropriate medical interventions first.