A nurse is performing a physical examination on an adolescent male suspected of having an endocrine disorder. Which of the following assessment findings might be indicative of a problem with the thyroid gland?
Development of a buffalo hump and moon face
Central obesity and purple striations
Sudden weight loss without dieting
Positive Trosseau's sign when checking the client's blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
A. Development of a buffalo hump and moon face:
This is associated with Cushing's syndrome, a disorder characterized by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.
B. Central obesity and purple striations:
Also indicative of Cushing's syndrome, where excess cortisol can lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area (central obesity) and the development of purple stretch marks (striae).
C. Sudden weight loss without dieting:
This is more characteristic of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland is overactive, leading to increased metabolism and unintended weight loss.
D. Positive Trousseau's sign when checking the client's blood pressure:
Trousseau's sign is associated with hypocalcemia and is seen in conditions affecting the parathyroid gland rather than the thyroid. It involves carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure for a few minutes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Metabolic Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation may or may not be present).
HCO3: Elevated.
Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3) in the blood, leading to an elevated pH. In this case, the elevated pH and HCO3 levels suggest that the primary imbalance is metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory Alkalosis:
pH: Elevated (alkalotic).
PaCO2: Decreased (due to hyperventilation, which blows off CO2).
HCO3: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by low levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) due to hyperventilation. However, in the provided ABG, the PaCO2 is not significantly decreased, suggesting that respiratory alkalosis is not the primary issue.
C. Respiratory Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Increased (due to inadequate ventilation).
HCO3: Normal or slightly elevated (compensation).
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, indicating that respiratory acidosis is not the primary problem.
D. Metabolic Acidosis:
pH: Decreased (acidotic).
PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased (compensation).
HCO3: Decreased.
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels. In this ABG, the HCO3 is elevated, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the primary issue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Vitamin A Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Vitamin A deficiency is not typically associated with an enlarged tongue. It is more commonly linked to night blindness and skin issues.
B. Folic Acid Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), which may present as an enlarged, smooth, and red tongue.
C. Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
Symptoms: Enlarged tongue and smooth, beefy red appearance.
Relevance: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia and glossitis, resulting in an enlarged, smooth, and red tongue.
D. Vitamin C Deficiency:
Symptoms: Not typically associated with an enlarged tongue.
Relevance: Vitamin C deficiency is more commonly associated with symptoms like scurvy, which includes bleeding gums, joint pain, and skin issues, but not specifically an enlarged tongue.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today