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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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.

A. Flaccid muscles B. Client report of anorexia C. Client report of numbness in his hands D. Negative Chvostek's sign

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Flaccid muscles are associated with conditions like hypokalemia, not hypoparathyroidism. In hypoparathyroidism, there is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels and can result in muscle spasms and tetany, not flaccid muscles.

B. While anorexia can occur in clients with various health conditions, it is not a specific finding associated with hypoparathyroidism.

C. Correct. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps, especially in the extremities.

D. A positive Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia, which can be caused by hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, a negative Chvostek's sign would not be an expected finding in a client with hypoparathyroidism.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports severe muscle spasms of the lower extremities. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a client with Graves' disease. The nurse should teach the client to immediately report which of the following?

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

The nurse is assessing an older patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What age-related endocrine change should the nurse expect in this patient?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for four clients. The nurse should recognize which of the following clients has a manifestation of hypoparathyroidism?

A nurse is preparing a teaching session about reducing the risk of complications of diabetes mellitus. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A staff nurse is teaching a client who has Addison's disease about the disease process. The client asks the nurse what causes Addison's disease. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The nurse is assessing an older patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What age-related endocrine change should the nurse expect in this patient?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. The client reports a tingling sensation in the hands, the soles of the feet, and around the lips. For which of the following findings should the nurse assess the client?