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

Answer and Explanation

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

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Urine specific gravity should not be reported by the nurse. While urine specific gravity is an important indicator of hydration status and kidney function, the provided information does not suggest any abnormalities in urinary output or signs of kidney issues. It is not the most critical finding to report in this scenario.

Choice B reason:

Prealbumin should not be reported by the nurse. Prealbumin is a protein used to assess nutritional status, but its significance in this situation is not apparent from the provided data. It may be relevant in other contexts, such as assessing malnutrition, but it does not directly address the current findings.

Choice C reason:

Temperature should not be reported by the nurse. The provided information does not include any data about the client's temperature, and there are no signs of infection mentioned. While temperature is an important vital sign, it is not relevant to the findings presented in this scenario.

Choice D reason

The nurse should report the "hypoactive bowel sounds upon auscultation" to the provider. Hypoactive bowel sounds can be a sign of gastrointestinal (GI) motility issues, which may indicate a potential problem with the client's digestive system. It could be due to various causes such as bowel obstruction, inflammation, or other GI disorders. Reporting this finding to the provider is essential so that appropriate assessments and interventions can be taken to address the client's condition.

A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths. B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling." C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying. D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a coping strategy to calm down and regulate emotions.

B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling." This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with the treatment setting.

C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a sign of sadness or distress.

D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting. This is an indication of potential violence, as it shows restlessness, agitation, and possible intimidation of the partner.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client. These are the medical reports; Hypoactive bowel sounds upon auscultation, abdomen soft, not distended on palpation and urinary output of 130mL/4hr. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is monitoring a visit between a client who has a history of aggressive behavior and the client's partner. Which of the following observations should the nurse identify as an indication for potential violence?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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