A nurse at an outpatient mental health facility is monitoring effective use of stress management techniques for a client who is attending stress management group therapy. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates effective use of cognitive reframing?

Rationale:

 • Report of menstrual cycle: The client’s last menstrual period was 3 months ago, indicating amenorrhea. This is commonly seen in hyperthyroidism due to hormonal imbalances that interfere with normal menstrual regulation.

 • Weight change: She reports a 3-month history of unintentional weight loss with a good appetite, which reflects the increased metabolic rate typically caused by elevated thyroid hormone levels in hyperthyroidism.

 • Skin condition: Her skin is described as warm and moist, which is consistent with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormone increases heat production and stimulates the sweat glands.

 • Neck exam: The presence of a visible goiter suggests thyroid gland enlargement, often due to overstimulation by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins in autoimmune hyperthyroidism like Graves' disease. A goiter can occur in Hypothyroidism (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis) as the gland tries to compensate. Therefore, this finding is consistent with both.

 • Laboratory results: Elevated T3 (230 ng/dL), free T4 (3.4 ng/dL), and TSI (150%) confirm hyperthyroidism. These values exceed the normal range and strongly indicate an overactive thyroid gland.

 • Eye appearance: Exophthalmos (protruding eyes) is observed, a hallmark of Graves’ disease. This autoimmune feature is linked exclusively to hyperthyroidism and is caused by inflammation and tissue buildup behind the eyes.

Rationale:

A. Mix the medication in juice prior to administration: Montelukast can be mixed with soft foods like applesauce, but mixing it in juice is not specifically recommended due to potential taste masking and dosing accuracy issues. Instructions should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

B. Administer the medication when the toddler has an acute asthma attack: Montelukast is a maintenance medication used to prevent asthma symptoms and is not effective for treating acute asthma attacks. A rescue inhaler like albuterol should be used during acute episodes.

C. Provide an additional dose of the medication prior to physical activity: Montelukast is not typically dosed in response to physical activity. While it can help prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, it should be taken once daily in the evening, not additionally before exertion.

D. Administer the medication to the toddler each evening: Montelukast is prescribed as a once-daily maintenance therapy and is most effective when given in the evening. This helps maintain consistent blood levels and prevents nighttime asthma symptoms.