A nurse is reviewing the medical record for a client who has hypothyroidism and is experiencing myxedema coma. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Fever
Hypernatremia
Hypertension
Hypoglycemia
The Correct Answer is B
A) Fever: Myxedema coma is characterized by hypothermia rather than fever. The client with myxedema coma may experience a lowered body temperature, reflecting the severe hypothyroidism associated with this condition.
B) Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated sodium levels, is a common finding in myxedema coma. This occurs due to impaired renal function and decreased aldosterone levels, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes, including sodium.
C) Hypertension: Typically, myxedema coma presents with hypotension rather than hypertension. The condition is associated with decreased cardiac output and low blood pressure, not elevated blood pressure.
D) Hypoglycemia: In myxedema coma, hypoglycemia is not typically expected. Instead, patients may experience hypoglycemia due to reduced metabolic rate and decreased glycogen stores. However, hyperglycemia is more commonly observed in other endocrine disorders, not specifically in myxedema coma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "I should limit my weightlifting to three times per week.": While weightlifting can be beneficial for bone health, it is generally recommended to engage in weight-bearing and resistance exercises more frequently than three times a week for optimal bone density. The frequency and type of weightlifting should be tailored to individual needs and safety considerations.
B) "I can continue to horseback ride.": Horseback riding, especially if not done carefully, poses a risk of falls and fractures, which can be dangerous for individuals with osteoporosis. Activities with a higher risk of injury should be avoided or approached with caution.
C) "I will go walking with a friend around our neighborhood.": Walking is a low-impact, weight-bearing exercise that promotes bone health and mobility without high risk. It is a suitable and recommended activity for individuals with osteoporosis to help maintain bone density and prevent falls.
D) "I will join my brother at his community aerobics class.": Aerobics classes may involve high-impact exercises and movements that could increase the risk of fractures or falls in individuals with osteoporosis. Low-impact, bone-strengthening activities are generally recommended instead.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Hematocrit 37% is within the normal range for adults, indicating that the client’s red blood cell volume is adequate. While anemia can be a concern in clients with Crohn's disease, this value does not specifically indicate malnutrition.
B) Iron 160 mcg/dL is above the normal range (typically 50-170 mcg/dL). Elevated iron levels can result from supplementation or other factors, but it does not directly indicate malnutrition. Iron status alone is not a reliable marker for overall nutritional status.
C) Prealbumin 9 mg/dL is significantly below the normal range (15-36 mg/dL). Low prealbumin levels are a strong indicator of malnutrition because prealbumin has a short half-life and reflects recent changes in protein status and dietary intake. This result suggests the client has been experiencing inadequate nutritional intake or absorption.
D) C-reactive protein (CRP) 15 mg/L indicates inflammation, which is common during an exacerbation of Crohn's disease. While elevated CRP levels signal active inflammation, they do not specifically indicate malnutrition. CRP is more commonly used as a marker of inflammatory activity rather than nutritional status.
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