A nurse is assessing a client who has myxedema coma. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason : Tetany and stiffness of the hands are not typical symptoms of hypothyroidism. Tetany is usually associated with hypocalcemia, which is not a direct result of hypothyroidism⁶.

Choice B reason : Exophthalmos and nervousness are symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Exophthalmos, the bulging of the eyes, is particularly associated with Graves' disease, a type of hyperthyroidism⁶.

Choice C reason : Extreme fatigue and hair loss are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. The condition can lead to a slowing down of the body's metabolic processes, resulting in fatigue. Hair loss is also a frequent complaint due to the effects of reduced thyroid hormone levels on hair follicles⁶⁷⁸.

Choice D reason : Profuse sweating and flushed skin are more indicative of hyperthyroidism or other conditions, not hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism typically leads to cold intolerance and dry skin⁶.

Choice A reason : Having the client floss 4 times daily is not typically recommended during chemotherapy because their gums may be more prone to bleeding due to a decrease in platelets, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy¹. Instead, gentle oral care is advised to prevent damage to the oral mucosa.

Choice B reason : Having the client swish with commercial mouthwash before therapy is not generally recommended because many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can be irritating to the mucous membranes and may exacerbate chemotherapy-induced mucositis¹. Instead, a saline rinse or a prescribed mouthwash without alcohol may be used to help manage oral hygiene during chemotherapy.

Choice C reason : Telling the client to expect dark stools following chemotherapy could be misleading. While some chemotherapy drugs can cause changes in stool color, dark stools can also indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention¹. Therefore, patients should be instructed to report any significant changes in stool color to their healthcare provider.

Choice D reason : Administering an antiemetic prior to the procedure is a standard practice to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy¹. Antiemetics are medications that can help control these common side effects, improving the patient's comfort and ability to tolerate the treatment.