A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has primary hypothyroidism. The nurse should anticipate an elevation of which of the following laboratory values?
Free T4
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Serum T3
Serum T4
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones, including Free T4. Therefore, we would not expect an elevation of Free T4 in primary hypothyroidism; instead, its levels would typically be low or normal.
Choice B reason:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are elevated in primary hypothyroidism because the pituitary gland releases more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. This is a compensatory response to the low levels of circulating thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine (T4).
Choice C reason:
Serum T3 levels may be low or normal in primary hypothyroidism. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is usually converted from T4. If T4 levels are low, T3 levels may also be affected; however, T3 levels are not the primary diagnostic marker for hypothyroidism and do not typically show elevation in this condition.
Choice D reason:
Serum T4 levels are typically low in primary hypothyroidism because the thyroid gland is not producing enough of this hormone. An elevation of serum T4 would not be expected unless the patient is receiving treatment for hypothyroidism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Decreased hemoglobin (Hgb) levels can be indicative of anemia or blood loss, but they are not typically associated with fluid volume deficit. In cases of fluid volume deficit, the Hgb concentration may actually appear elevated due to hemoconcentration as the plasma volume decreases.
Choice B reason:
Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are expected in a fluid volume deficit because as the blood volume decreases, the concentration of solutes like urea can increase. This is often due to decreased renal perfusion and subsequent reduced renal function, leading to less urea being excreted through the kidneys.
Choice C reason:
Increased urine ketones are typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis or starvation, not directly with fluid volume deficit. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fats for energy, which is not a process directly related to fluid volume status.
Choice D reason:
Decreased urine specific gravity would not be expected in fluid volume deficit; in fact, one would expect the opposite. Specific gravity measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. In fluid volume deficit, the urine specific gravity would likely be increased as the body attempts to conserve water.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Malignant melanoma typically presents as a mole that changes in color, size, or feel and has irregular edges. It may also itch, ooze, or bleed. A raised, flesh-colored lesion with pearly white borders is not characteristic of malignant melanoma.
Choice B reason:
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a raised, pearly bump, sometimes with visible blood vessels, which may have a central depression. The description of the lesion as raised, flesh-colored with pearly white borders aligns with the common presentation of basal cell carcinoma.
Choice C reason:
Squamous cell carcinoma usually presents as a firm, red nodule, or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. The lesion described does not match the typical appearance of squamous cell carcinoma.
Choice D reason:
Actinic keratosis is characterized by rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin, which may be precancerous. They are not typically described as raised, flesh-colored lesions with pearly borders.
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