A nurse is assessing a patient admitted with hyperthyroidism.
The patient 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?
Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment
Keep the patient NPO
Administer aspirin as prescribed for any sign of hyperthermia.
Observe the patient carefully for signs of hypocalcemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Providing a quiet, low-stimulus environment is one of the key interventions for a patient with hyperthyroidism who is at risk of a thyroid crisis. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can accelerate the body’s metabolism causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, increased appetite, increased perspiration, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and restlessness. A thyroid crisis, also known as a thyroid storm, is a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by extreme symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A quiet, low-stimulus environment can help reduce anxiety and agitation, which can exacerbate symptoms and potentially trigger a thyroid crisis.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary in the management of hyperthyroidism unless the patient is preparing for a procedure such as thyroid surgery. In
fact, because of the increased metabolic rate in hyperthyroidism, patients often have an increased appetite and may require additional caloric intake.
Choice C rationale
Administering aspirin for any sign of hyperthermia is not recommended in hyperthyroidism. Aspirin can actually increase the level of free thyroid hormones in the blood by displacing them from their binding proteins, potentially worsening the hyperthyroid state.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to observe patients with hyperthyroidism for signs of various complications, hypocalcemia is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, is more commonly associated with hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Periorbital edema is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma.
Choice B rationale
Excessive salivation is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma.
Choice C rationale
Finger contractures can be expected in a client diagnosed with systemic scleroderma. As the disease progresses, it can cause tightening and hardening of the skin, which can lead to contractures.
Choice D rationale
Thinning of the skin is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma. In fact, the disease often causes the skin to thicken.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nonfat milk is generally not a trigger for GERD101112131415. It is low in fat and thus less likely to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can lead to acid reflux1415.
Choice B rationale
Chocolate is known to trigger GERD symptoms1415. It contains caffeine and fat, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause acid reflux1415.
Choice C rationale
Oatmeal is generally not a trigger for GERD101112131415. It is a whole grain that is high in fiber, which can help control GERD symptoms1415.
Choice D rationale
Apples are generally not a trigger for GERD101112131415. They are non-citrus fruits and thus less likely to cause acid reflux1415.
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