A nurse is providing discharge education to a patient who recently experienced an acute gout attack. Which patient statement indicates they have understood the treatment plan?

Choice A rationale
Asking why the patient thinks the copper helps with their arthritis might seem like a good way to understand their beliefs, but it could come off as challenging or dismissive.
Choice B rationale
Acknowledging that the patient feels better wearing the bracelet is a respectful response. It validates the patient’s experience without endorsing the effectiveness of copper bracelets, which lack scientific evidence for treating arthritis.
Choice C rationale

This response could be seen as dismissive of the patient’s beliefs and experiences. It’s important to respect patients’ choices in managing their symptoms, as long as those choices aren’t harmful.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that there’s no scientific basis for believing objects have powers to make you feel better, saying this could come off as dismissive or disrespectful.

Choice A rationale
Providing a quiet, low-stimulus environment is one of the key interventions for a patient with hyperthyroidism who is at risk of a thyroid crisis. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can accelerate the body’s metabolism causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, increased appetite, increased perspiration, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and restlessness. A thyroid crisis, also known as a thyroid storm, is a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by extreme symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A quiet, low-stimulus environment can help reduce anxiety and agitation, which can exacerbate symptoms and potentially trigger a thyroid crisis.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary in the management of hyperthyroidism unless the patient is preparing for a procedure such as thyroid surgery. In

fact, because of the increased metabolic rate in hyperthyroidism, patients often have an increased appetite and may require additional caloric intake.
Choice C rationale
Administering aspirin for any sign of hyperthermia is not recommended in hyperthyroidism. Aspirin can actually increase the level of free thyroid hormones in the blood by displacing them from their binding proteins, potentially worsening the hyperthyroid state.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to observe patients with hyperthyroidism for signs of various complications, hypocalcemia is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, is more commonly associated with hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency.