A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings is indicative of thyrotoxic crisis?
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Hyperthermia
Constipation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with thyrotoxic crisis. In fact, thyrotoxic crisis usually causes tachycardia (rapid heart rate) due to the body's heightened metabolism and sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
B. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not characteristic of a thyrotoxic crisis. The condition typically causes hypertension (elevated blood pressure) as part of the body's stress response and increased metabolic rate.
C. Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is a key sign of thyrotoxic crisis. The condition leads to a hypermetabolic state that can significantly increase body temperature. This high fever is a result of the body's excessive heat production due to the overstimulation of metabolic processes.
D. Constipation is not typically associated with thyrotoxic crisis. In hyperthyroidism, and consequently in thyrotoxic crisis, patients usually experience diarrhea or increased bowel movements due to the increased metabolic rate and gastrointestinal motility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client is resting comfortably, denies distress, and has an oxygen saturation of 89% on 2 liters of supplemental oxygen. This is within an acceptable range for many patients with COPD. Given the client's current status, it is appropriate to continue monitoring the oxygen saturation and assess for any changes in condition.
B. While the alarm may be annoying, it is important to keep it active to alert the nurse to any significant changes in the client's oxygen saturation.
C. A non-rebreather mask delivers a higher concentration of oxygen and is typically used in more critical situations. In this case, the client's oxygen saturation is within a safe range, and there is no need to increase the oxygen delivery method.
D. Increasing the oxygen to 4 liters per minute without a clear indication of need could lead to oxygen toxicity, especially in patients with COPD. It is important to titrate oxygen therapy to the lowest level that maintains adequate oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypernatremia (elevated sodium levels) is not a common sign of Addisonian crisis. In Addisonian crisis, the lack of aldosterone leads to sodium loss, which often results in hyponatremia (low sodium levels) rather than hypernatremia. The patient might also experience dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but hypernatremia is not typical in this scenario.
B. Fluid volume overload is not characteristic of Addisonian crisis. Instead, Addisonian crisis often leads to fluid volume deficit due to the loss of aldosterone, which impairs sodium and water retention. This can result in dehydration and low blood volume rather than fluid overload.
C. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not typically associated with Addisonian crisis. In fact, the lack of aldosterone in Addisonian crisis leads to potassium retention, resulting in hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia is not relevant in the context of Addisonian crisis following a bilateral adrenalectomy.
D. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) is a key sign of Addisonian crisis. Cortisol plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and maintaining blood glucose levels. With the loss of cortisol production after a bilateral adrenalectomy, patients may experience hypoglycemia, which can be a critical indicator of Addisonian crisis.
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