A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a 36-year-old client who is at 16 weeks of gestation and is scheduled for an amniocentesis. The nurse should include in the teaching that an amniocentesis is performed to identify which of the following findings?

Rationale:

A. 300 mg PO od: The dose is written clearly with no trailing zeros, and “od” (once daily) is acceptable though “daily” is preferred for clarity. This entry minimizes risk of misinterpretation and decimal errors.

B. 3.0 mg PO gd: Using a trailing zero (3.0 mg) increases the risk of a tenfold dosing error if the decimal point is missed. Also, “gd” is an incorrect abbreviation; “daily” or “once daily” should be used.

C. 10.000 units IV dally: Writing “10.000” with multiple trailing zeros is dangerous because the decimal point might be overlooked, causing a ten-thousand-fold error. Also, “dally” is a misspelling of “daily.”

D. 05 mL IM daily: Leading zeros before whole numbers (05 mL) are unnecessary and can cause confusion. The correct notation is “5 mL.” Leading zeros should only be used before decimals less than one (e.g., 0.5 mL).

Rationale:

• 3-month history of unplanned weight loss, increased sweating, heat intolerance, fatigue, and insomnia: These symptoms are consistent with hypermetabolic activity seen in hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease, and require follow-up and management to prevent complications like thyroid storm.

• Last menstrual period was 3 months ago: Amenorrhea can occur due to hormonal imbalance caused by elevated thyroid hormones. This finding indicates endocrine dysfunction and should be investigated further.

• Skin is warm and moist. Exophthalmos noted, goiter visualized on neck: These are classic physical signs of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition. The exophthalmos (protruding eyes) and goiter (thyroid enlargement) are abnormal and require follow-up.

• Client's partner reports that the client is irritable and anxious lately: Mood changes, such as irritability and anxiety, are common in hyperthyroidism and may affect the client’s quality of life and safety. This finding warrants further psychological and endocrine evaluation.