A nurse is assessing a client who is admitted with hyperthyroidism. The client reports a weight loss of 5.4 kg (12 lb) in the last 2 months, increased appetite, increased perspiration, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and restlessness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent a thyroid crisis?
Administer aspirin as prescribed for any sign of hyperthermia.
Keep the client NPO.
Observe the client carefully for signs of hypocalcemia.
Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administering aspirin for hyperthermia is not a standard intervention for hyperthyroidism. Hyperthermia can occur in severe cases of hyperthyroidism, but the primary intervention is to address the underlying thyroid dysfunction and provide supportive care.
B. Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is not directly related to preventing a thyroid crisis in hyperthyroidism. It may be necessary for certain pre-operative preparations or if the client is undergoing specific procedures, but it does not address the prevention of a thyroid crisis.
C. While monitoring for signs of hypocalcemia is important in some cases of thyroid dysfunction, it is not the primary action to prevent a thyroid crisis. In hyperthyroidism, the focus is on managing excessive thyroid hormone levels.
D. Correct. Providing a quiet, low-stimulus environment is a crucial nursing intervention for clients with hyperthyroidism. They can be highly sensitive to external stimuli due to their increased metabolic rate. A calm environment helps reduce stress and the risk of exacerbating symptoms, potentially preventing a thyroid crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While a yearly dilated eye examination is crucial for the early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, this action alone only addresses one of the two complications mentioned in the prompt. It does not prevent the development of nephropathy.
B. Examining the feet carefully every day is a vital preventive measure for diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease to avoid foot ulcers and infections. However, daily foot checks do not prevent microvascular damage to the eyes or kidneys.
C. Compression stockings are used to manage venous insufficiency or peripheral edema, but they are not standard preventative therapy for diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy, and tight hosiery may even be contraindicated if the client has co-existing peripheral arterial disease.
D. Maintaining stable, optimal blood glucose levels is the most effective primary intervention to prevent both retinopathy and nephropathy. Chronic hyperglycemia causes microvascular damage to the small blood vessels in both the retina and the renal glomeruli; therefore, strict glycemic control slows the onset and progression of both conditions simultaneously.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Checking the pedal pulses is important for assessing circulation, but it may not directly address the cause of the muscle spasms. In this case, addressing the electrolyte imbalance is a higher priority.
B. Requesting a relaxant might provide temporary relief for muscle spasms, but it does not address the potential underlying cause. It's important to identify and treat the root issue.
C. Correct. Severe muscle spasms in a client post-thyroidectomy could indicate hypocalcemia, as the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels, can be affected during the surgery. Verifying the most recent calcium level will help determine if this is the cause.
D. Administering an oral potassium supplement addresses a different electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia), which is not typically associated with muscle spasms following a thyroidectomy. Calcium levels are more relevant in this context.
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