A nurse is caring for a client who has Graves' disease and is to start therapy with propylthiouracil. The nurse should expect which of the following outcomes?
Increased Hct
Decreased WBC count
Decreased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increased Hct. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid medication that reduces excessive thyroid hormone production in Graves' disease. It does not directly affect hematocrit (Hct) levels. While anemia can occur in some clients with untreated hyperthyroidism, PTU itself is not expected to raise Hct.
B. Decreased WBC count. A serious adverse effect of PTU is agranulocytosis, which results in a dangerously low white blood cell (WBC) count, increasing the risk of infection. However, this is a potential complication rather than an expected therapeutic outcome. Clients on PTU require regular monitoring of WBC levels to detect early signs of agranulocytosis.
C. Decreased heart rate. Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, which increases metabolism and leads to symptoms such as tachycardia. PTU works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to a gradual reduction in heart rate as thyroid function normalizes. This is a desired outcome of treatment, helping to reduce cardiovascular strain associated with hyperthyroidism.
D. Increased blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can cause elevated blood pressure due to increased cardiac output. As PTU lowers thyroid hormone levels, blood pressure is expected to decrease or stabilize rather than increase. An increase in blood pressure would be unexpected and may indicate another underlying issue requiring evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A pregnant parent. A child can receive the varicella vaccine even if the parent is pregnant. While the varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, the vaccinated child does not pose a significant risk of transmission to others. The parent should avoid direct contact with the vaccinee's rash if one develops, but this is not a contraindication to immunization.
B. Receiving treatment for leukemia. Children undergoing treatment for leukemia often have weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy or radiation. The varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus that could cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. These children should not receive live vaccines until their immune function improves and their healthcare provider approves vaccination.
C. Taking acetaminophen for mild discomfort. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer that does not interfere with the efficacy or safety of the varicella vaccine. There is no evidence that mild analgesic use before or after vaccination affects immune response, so it is not a reason to withhold the immunization.
D. An allergy to eggs. Unlike some influenza and yellow fever vaccines, the varicella vaccine is not produced using egg-based components. An egg allergy is not a contraindication to receiving the varicella vaccine, as it does not contain egg proteins.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Meperidine. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain. It does not treat nausea and vomiting and can worsen these symptoms by delaying gastric emptying. Opioids also depress the central nervous system, which may cause dizziness and sedation.
B. Diazepam. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. It has no antiemetic effects and does not relieve nausea or vomiting. Instead, it can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which may further discomfort the client.
C. Naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. Since the client’s nausea is not opioid-related, naloxone would not be beneficial. Its administration can also cause withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent clients.
D. Promethazine. Promethazine is an antiemetic that blocks histamine and dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing nausea and vomiting. It is commonly used for motion sickness, post-surgical nausea, and gastrointestinal illnesses, making it the appropriate choice for this client.
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