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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Keeping artificial nails trimmed is a recommended practice in healthcare settings to maintain effective hand hygiene. Long nails can harbor bacteria and make it difficult to clean hands thoroughly. However, the CDC does not provide specific guidelines on the length of artificial nails for healthcare workers.
Choice B reason:
When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile, it is recommended to wash hands with soap and water rather than using alcohol-based hand rubs. Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against C. difficile spores. Therefore, thorough handwashing with soap and water is necessary to remove spores.
Choice C reason:
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is recommended for hand hygiene in certain situations, such as before invasive procedures or for clients who are immunosuppressed. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a suitable choice for immunocompromised patients to reduce the risk of infection.
Choice D reason:
The use of alcohol-based hand rubs before administering eye drops is not specifically recommended. While hand hygiene is essential before any contact with a patient, there is no particular preference for alcohol-based hand rubs in this context. The primary concern is to ensure that hands are clean to prevent contamination of the eye drops or the patient's eyes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration. The normal range is typically from 1.005 to 1.030. A specific gravity of 1.035 indicates very concentrated urine, which could be due to dehydration or other factors, but it is not specifically indicative of chronic glomerulonephritis.
Choice B reason:
Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Normal levels are approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males. A level of 7 mg/dL is significantly elevated and can indicate severe kidney dysfunction, which is consistent with chronic glomerulonephritis. This condition can lead to a decreased ability of the kidneys to filter waste, causing an accumulation of creatinine in the blood.
Choice C reason:
Creatinine clearance is a test that measures how well creatinine is removed from the blood by the kidneys. The normal range is about 95 to 120 mL/min. A clearance of 120 mL/min is within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a client with chronic glomerulonephritis, as this condition usually results in reduced kidney function.
Choice D reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Normal BUN levels are between 7 and 20 mg/dL. A BUN of 15 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate kidney dysfunction from chronic glomerulonephritis.

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