A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is scheduled to have a colonoscopy in 1 week. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

 • Report of menstrual cycle: The client’s last menstrual period was 3 months ago, indicating amenorrhea. This is commonly seen in hyperthyroidism due to hormonal imbalances that interfere with normal menstrual regulation.

 • Weight change: She reports a 3-month history of unintentional weight loss with a good appetite, which reflects the increased metabolic rate typically caused by elevated thyroid hormone levels in hyperthyroidism.

 • Skin condition: Her skin is described as warm and moist, which is consistent with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormone increases heat production and stimulates the sweat glands.

 • Neck exam: The presence of a visible goiter suggests thyroid gland enlargement, often due to overstimulation by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins in autoimmune hyperthyroidism like Graves' disease. A goiter can occur in Hypothyroidism (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis) as the gland tries to compensate. Therefore, this finding is consistent with both.

 • Laboratory results: Elevated T3 (230 ng/dL), free T4 (3.4 ng/dL), and TSI (150%) confirm hyperthyroidism. These values exceed the normal range and strongly indicate an overactive thyroid gland.

 • Eye appearance: Exophthalmos (protruding eyes) is observed, a hallmark of Graves’ disease. This autoimmune feature is linked exclusively to hyperthyroidism and is caused by inflammation and tissue buildup behind the eyes.

Rationale:

A. A nursing colleague discussing a client's treatment plan with another nurse on the unit as part of the end-of-shift handoff report: This is an appropriate and necessary exchange of client information for continuity of care. It supports safe, effective handoff communication between nurses involved in the client’s treatment.

B. A nursing colleague discussing a client's diagnosis with another staff member on the unit who is not involved in the client's care: This violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by sharing protected health information with someone not directly involved in the client’s care, regardless of location or setting.

C. A nursing colleague documenting vitals in the electronic medical record (EMR) of a client that the colleague is caring for: This is an expected and proper part of nursing responsibilities. Accurate and timely documentation in the EMR is essential for effective communication and patient safety.

D. A nursing colleague printing material that does not obtain identifiable information from a client's electronic medical record (EMR) for professional use: If no identifiable health information is included, printing such materials for professional reference or education is acceptable and does not violate confidentiality rules.