A client with hyperthyroidism tells the home health nurse, "I stopped taking my antithyroid medication and now I feel anxious. I can feel my heart racing and pounding." Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Peripheral pulses.
Vital signs.
Presence of goitre.
Emotional status.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Assessing peripheral pulses is important for understanding the client's overall circulatory status, but it is not the most urgent assessment in this situation. The client's symptoms suggest a possible thyrotoxic crisis, which requires immediate evaluation of critical vital signs.
Choice B reason: Obtaining vital signs is the most important initial assessment. The client's report of anxiety, heart racing, and pounding could indicate a severe exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, potentially leading to a thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm). Vital signs will provide essential information on the client's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and overall stability, which are crucial for immediate management.
Choice C reason: The presence of a goitre can indicates thyroid gland enlargement, which is relevant for long-term management of hyperthyroidism. However, it does not provide immediate information on the client's current acute condition.
Choice D reason: Assessing emotional status is important for comprehensive care, but it is not the priority in this acute scenario. The client's physiological status needs to be stabilized first, as indicated by their vital signs, before focusing on their emotional state.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lifting weights every other day might not be harmful, but it is not specifically relevant to managing chronic venous insufficiency. The statement does not indicate an understanding of the specific care needed for this condition.
Choice B reason: Avoiding sitting and crossing the legs is an important measure to prevent worsening of chronic venous insufficiency. Crossing legs can impede blood flow and worsen symptoms. This statement reflects an understanding of how to manage the condition.
Choice C reason: Standing for prolonged periods, even if there is no pain, can exacerbate venous insufficiency. This statement shows a misunderstanding of the importance of movement and elevation of the legs to promote blood flow.
Choice D reason: Walking is generally encouraged to promote circulation in clients with venous insufficiency. The statement about needing someone else to walk the dog may indicate a misunderstanding of the benefits of regular, gentle exercise.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Drawing air in through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips is a technique known as pursed-lip breathing. This method helps improve gas exchange by keeping the airways open longer during exhalation, which aids in the removal of trapped air and reduces dyspneal.
Choice B reason: Increasing the breathing rate for a full 30 seconds is not recommended for clients with emphysema. Rapid breathing can lead to hyperventilation and increased work of breathing, which can exacerbate dyspneal.
Choice C reason: Raising hands above the head to expand the diaphragm might help in some situations, but it is not as effective as pursed-lip breathing for improving gas exchange and reducing dyspneal in clients with emphysema.
Choice D reason: Laying down on each side with knees bent and breathing from the abdomen is a relaxation technique that can help some clients, but it does not specifically address the need for improved gas exchange during episodes of dyspneal.
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