A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypothyroidism.
When reviewing the findings and the client’s medical record, which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest to the provider?
Consider thyroid ablation therapy.
Increase the dosage of levothyroxine.
Replace lovastatin with cholestyramine.
Restrict the client’s intake of iodized salt.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because the client has hypothyroidism, which means their thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that can replace the missing hormone and normalize the TSH level. The client’s TSH level is 8.9 mIU/L, which is above the normal range of 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L. This indicates that the client’s current dosage of levothyroxine is insufficient and needs to be increased.
Choice A is wrong because thyroid ablation therapy is a treatment for hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
Thyroid ablation therapy involves destroying part or all of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine or surgery, which reduces the production of thyroid hormone.
This would worsen the client’s condition and symptoms.
Choice C is wrong because lovastatin is a statin drug that lowers cholesterol levels. Hypothyroidism can cause high cholesterol levels, but this is usually corrected by levothyroxine therapy. Replacing lovastatin with cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant that also lowers cholesterol levels, would not address the underlying cause of hypothyroidism and would not improve the client’s TSH level.
Choice D is wrong because restricting the intake of iodized salt would not help the client with hypothyroidism. Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormone, but most people in developed countries get enough iodine from their diet.
Hypothyroidism is usually caused by autoimmune disease, not iodine deficiency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Dysrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can be a sign of severe lithium toxicity.
Lithium toxicity can occur when a person takes too much lithium, a mood- stabilizing medication used to treat bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
Choice A is wrong because hypoglycemia is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, hunger, and confusion.
Choice B is wrong because excess salivation is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Excess salivation can be caused by various factors, such as infections, medications, or nerve damage.
Choice C is wrong because urinary retention is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely, which can cause pain, discomfort, and infection. Lithium toxicity can actually cause increased urine output, not decreased.
Normal ranges for blood lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy and 0.8 to 1.5 mEq/L for acute therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L can cause mild to moderate toxicity, and levels above 2.0 mEq/L can cause severe toxicity. Levels above 3.0 mEq/L are considered a medical emergency.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Contact information for a community mental health center. A community mental health center can provide ongoing outpatient care and support services for a client who has schizophrenia after discharge from an inpatient unit. A community mental health center can also help the client access other resources such as medication, housing, and vocational training.
Choice B is wrong because a list of primary prevention activities is not relevant for a client who already has schizophrenia. Primary prevention aims to prevent the occurrence of a disease or disorder in the first place.
Choice C is wrong because contact information for enrollment in a 12-step program is not appropriate for a client who has schizophrenia unless they also have a substance use disorder. A 12-step program is a self-help group that follows a set of principles to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Choice D is wrong because a referral for respite care services is not necessary for a client who has schizophrenia unless they also have a caregiver who needs temporary relief from their caregiving duties. Respite care services provide short-term care for clients who are dependent on others for their daily needs.
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