A nurse is caring for a client who is immediately postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy.
Vital Signs
1100:
Temperature 37.4° C (99.4° F) Heart rate 98/min Respiratory rate 18/min
Blood pressure 128/68 mm Hg
Pulse oximetry 97% on room air
1115:
Temperature 37.8° C (100.1° F) Heart rate 110/min Respiratory rate 16/min
Blood pressure 138/74 mm Hg
Pulse oximetry 95% on room air
1130:
Temperature 38.6° C (101.5° F). Heart rate 136/min
Respiratory rate 16/min
Blood pressure 154/86 mm Hg
Pulse oximetry 95% on 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Select the 4 client findings that lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing thyroid storm.
Mental status
Wound drainage
Heart rate
Pain
Blood pressure
Temperature
Correct Answer : A,C,E,F
A. This choice is correct because mental status changes, such as agitation, confusion, or delirium, are common signs of thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism that occurs when there is excessive release of thyroid hormones.
B. This choice is incorrect because wound drainage is not a specific sign of thyroid storm, but rather a potential complication of any surgery that can indicate infection or bleeding.
C. This choice is correct because tachycardia, or increased heart rate, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased metabolic demand and increased sensitivity to catecholamines.
D. This choice is incorrect because pain is not a specific sign of thyroid storm, but rather a common symptom of any surgery that can be managed with analgesics.
E. This choice is correct because hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance.
F. This choice is correct because hyperthermia, or increased temperature, is a common sign of thyroid storm, which can result from increased heat production and impaired heat dissipation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A option:
Dietitian should not be consulted: The dietitian is an essential team member and will work closely with the client to ensure proper nutrition and dietary management. However, in the context of dysphagia, the speech-language pathologist's expertise is needed to determine safe swallowing strategies and food modifications.
Choice B option:
Physical therapist should not be consulted: The physical therapist focuses on maintaining and improving the client's physical function and mobility. While important in ALS management, the physical therapist's role is not directly related to the immediate issue of dysphagia.
Choice C option:
The speech-language pathologist is the correct answer because it specializes in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. In this case, the speech-language pathologist is essential in evaluating the client's swallowing function, recommending appropriate dietary modifications (texture and consistency of foods), and implementing swallowing exercises or strategies to improve swallowing safety.
Choice D option:
Occupational therapist should not be consulted: The occupational therapist assists clients in regaining or maintaining independence in daily living activities. While the occupational therapist may address some aspects of mealtime activities and adaptive strategies, the speech-language pathologist is more specialized in evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties in clients with ALS.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
An antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity is an antibiotic that can damage the kidneys, which are the organs that filter the blood and remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Some examples of nephrotoxic antibiotics are aminoglycosides, vancomycin, amphotericin B, and sulfonamides.
Serum creatinine is a laboratory value that measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of muscle tissue and is normally excreted by the kidneys. A high serum creatinine level indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly and are unable to filter out the creatinine from the blood.
Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to review the serum creatinine level of the client, as it reflects the kidney function and the risk of nephrotoxicity. A normal serum creatinine level ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. If the serum creatinine level is elevated, it may indicate that the client has impaired kidney function or is developing nephrotoxicity from the antibiotic. In this case, the PN should notify the primary healthcare provider and monitor the client for signs and symptoms of nephrotoxicity, such as decreased urine output, edema, hypertension, or electrolyte imbalances .
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