A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Place the client on bedrest.
Apply warm blankets.
Check the client for weight loss.
Limit high-fiber foods.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Place the client on bedrest. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Placing the client on bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as thromboembolism, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy. The nurse should encourage the client to perform gentle exercises and change positions frequently.
Choice B: Apply warm blankets. This is an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and affects the energy expenditure and body temperature. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that causes swelling of the skin and tissues due to accumulation of mucopolysaccharides. Applying warm blankets can help maintain the client’s body temperature and prevent hypothermia, which is a low body temperature.
Choice C: Check the client for weight loss. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Checking the client for weight loss can indicate hyperthyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss due to increased metabolic rate and appetite. The nurse should check the client for weight gain, which can indicate hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and fluid retention.
Choice D: Limit high-fiber foods. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Limiting high-fiber foods can cause constipation, which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The nurse should encourage the client to eat high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Obtain the client’s vital signs. This is an important nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs for signs of infection, fluid imbalance, or shock, but these are not as urgent as relieving the client’s pain.
Choice B: Weigh the client. This is a necessary nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should weigh the client daily to assess their fluid status and nutritional needs, but this can be done after addressing the client’s pain.
Choice C: Administer pain medication. This is the priority nursing action because the nurse should follow the principle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and address the client’s physiological needs first. Pain can interfere with the client’s healing process and affect their quality of life.
Choice D: Change the client’s dressing. This is a required nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should change the client’s dressing to prevent infection and promote wound healing, but this can be done after administering pain medication to make the procedure more comfortable for the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Palpitations. This is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but rather a sign of hyperthyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism can cause palpitations due to increased cardiac output and heart rate.
Choice B: Weight gain. This is a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and affects energy expenditure and body temperature. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain due to decreased metabolic rate and increased fluid retention.
Choice C: Diaphoresis. This is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but rather a sign of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can cause diaphoresis due to increased heat production and vasodilation.
Choice D: Protruding eyeballs. This is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but rather a sign of Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease can cause protruding eyeballs due to inflammation and edema of the orbital tissues and muscles.
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