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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus but does not require immediate follow-up. It is not life-threatening and can be managed as part of the overall treatment plan.

Choice B reason: Haematuria, or blood in the urine, requires immediate follow-up because it can indicate serious renal involvement or a possible flare-up of lupus nephritis. Kidney complications in lupus can lead to severe outcomes if not addressed promptly.

Choice C reason: Fatigue is a common symptom of lupus and while it can significantly impact the client's quality of life, it does not usually require urgent intervention. It is managed through ongoing treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Choice D reason: Joint pain is another common symptom of lupus. Although it can be debilitating, it is not an emergency and can be managed through standard treatments for lupus.

A. Upper midabdominal pain described as gnawing and burning. B. Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months. C. Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods. D. Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Upper midabdominal pain described as gnawing and burning is a classic symptom of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This type of pain is typically located in the epigastric region and is often relieved by eating or taking antacids, which aligns with the presentation of PUD.

Choice B reason: Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months can occur in various gastrointestinal conditions, but it is not specific enough to support a diagnosis of PUD. This symptom alone does not provide enough evidence for PUD.

Choice C reason: Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods might indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another gastrointestinal condition. These symptoms are not typically associated with PUD.

Choice D reason: Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion can indicate chronic gastrointestinal discomfort, but it does not specifically point to PUD. It suggests ongoing gastric issues but lacks specificity for diagnosing PUD.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse completes the admission assessment of a client with systemic lupus erythematosus. Which finding requires immediate follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is obtaining the admission history for a client with suspected peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which subjective data reported by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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