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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

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.

A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg. B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg. D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Maintaining systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg is not recommended for clients who have hypertension and have experienced a TIA789. Studies have shown that maintaining a lower systolic BP can help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
Choice B rationale
The client should aim to maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. This range is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent stroke. Lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive therapy can help achieve this target.
Choice C rationale

Maintaining systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg is not recommended for clients who have hypertension and have experienced a TIA789. This range is higher than the recommended target and may increase the risk of recurrent stroke.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg is not the recommended target for clients who have hypertension and have experienced a TIA789. The recommended target is lower to help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with systemic scleroderma five years ago. The nurse plans to assess the client to document the disease’s progression. In addition to skin changes, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has hypertension, which has resulted in a transient ischemic attack (TIA). What information regarding blood pressure (BP) management should the nurse discuss with the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is attending to a client who has just been admitted due to an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. What should be the nurse’s initial course of action?

The nurse is caring for a patient with active hepatitis C and recalls that the disease is spread by which route?

A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain in their lower extremities following surgery. Which of the following should the nurse address first?

A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which laboratory result would be of most concern to the nurse?

A nurse is providing education to a patient who has a new diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. Which of the following statements by the nurse provides the most simplistic and non-medical description of the disorder?

Which of the following assessments would be most useful in determining a patient’s genetic risk for breast cancer?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving one unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) due to intraoperative blood loss. The client reports chills and back pain, and their blood pressure is 80/64 mm Hg. What should be the nurse’s first action?

The nurse is assessing a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The nurse recalls which non-gastrointestinal symptom is associated with the diagnosis.