A nurse is assessing a client who has myxedema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Tachycardia.
Diarrhea.
Facial edema.
Heat intolerance.
The correct answer is c) Facial edema.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Tachycardia, or an abnormally rapid heart rate, is not a typical finding in myxedema. Myxedema is associated with hypothyroidism, which usually presents with bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, due to the decreased metabolic demands on the body.
Choice B reason:
Diarrhea is not commonly associated with myxedema. Instead, patients with hypothyroidism and myxedema often experience constipation due to slowed gastrointestinal motility.
Choice C reason:
Facial edema, particularly around the eyes, is a classic sign of myxedema. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can cause mucopolysaccharide deposition in the skin, leading to non-pitting edema. This can be particularly noticeable in the face and periorbital area.
Choice D reason:
Heat intolerance is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Patients with myxedema typically have cold intolerance due to a decrease in basal metabolic rate and reduced heat production.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
The oral mucosa is the most reliable area to evaluate for central cyanosis in a client with asthma. Central cyanosis reflects a decrease in arterial oxygenation and is best assessed where the blood flow is high and the skin is thin, which is the case with the oral mucosa. It is less likely to be affected by peripheral factors such as temperature and is therefore a more accurate indicator of oxygen saturation in the central circulation.
Choice b reason:
While ear lobes can show signs of cyanosis, they are not the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis because they are more prone to peripheral cyanosis. Peripheral cyanosis can occur in the ear lobes due to local vasoconstriction or decreased blood flow, which may not reflect central oxygenation levels.
Choice c reason:
The soles of the feet are not a reliable indicator of central cyanosis, especially in a client with asthma. The skin on the soles is thicker and has less blood flow compared to the oral mucosa, making it a poor site for assessing central cyanosis. Additionally, the soles can be affected by peripheral factors like pressure and temperature.
Choice d reason:
Conjunctivae are not the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis. While they can show signs of cyanosis, the assessment can be affected by environmental factors and the presence of blood vessels in the conjunctiva that may not accurately reflect central oxygenation levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Palpating in front of the ear would assess the preauricular lymph nodes, not the submental lymph nodes. The preauricular nodes are located just in front of the ears and are typically examined when there is an infection or inflammation in the eyes, ears, or scalp.
Choice B reason:
The submental lymph nodes are located in the midline, just under the chin, behind the bony prominence of the mandible. This is the correct area for palpation when assessing the submental lymph nodes. These nodes drain the lower lip, the floor of the mouth, the tip of the tongue, and the incisors, and they can become enlarged due to infections or malignancies in these areas.
Choice C reason:
Palpating superficial to the sternomastoid would assess the cervical lymph nodes, specifically the anterior cervical nodes, which are not the submental lymph nodes. The sternomastoid muscle is a landmark for several lymph node groups in the neck, but not for the submental group.
Choice D reason:
Palpating at the angle of the mandible would assess the submandibular lymph nodes, not the submental lymph nodes. The submandibular nodes are located beneath the jawline and can become enlarged due to infections or malignancies in the mouth, throat, and salivary glands.
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