A nurse working in an alternative therapy clinic is assisting in the care of a client who has elevated cholesterol levels. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?

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:

• Contact the provider for an antibiotic prescription: Contacting the provider ensures the client receives prompt intervention for a likely surgical site infection. The wound is inflamed and draining yellow pus, and the client has a fever and leukocytosis. Early treatment can prevent the progression to severe sepsis.

• Increase the volume on the television: Increasing the volume on the television can heighten sensory overload and worsen the client’s confusion. Delirium management involves reducing noise and visual stimuli, not adding to it. This approach does not promote orientation or calmness.

• Ask the client's partner to leave the room: Asking the client's partner to leave may remove a critical source of comfort and familiarity. Familiar people help reorient clients with delirium or confusion. Their presence often reduces agitation and promotes emotional security.

• Dim the lights: Dimming the lights reduces environmental overstimulation that may worsen delirium. The client is experiencing hallucinations and disorientation, which are often intensified in bright ICU settings. A calm setting supports cognitive clarity and comfort.

• Assist with elimination: Assisting with elimination is appropriate if the client shows signs of distress or discomfort. However, this need is not emergent compared to infection and altered mental status. Treating the underlying cause of delirium should take precedence.

• Place the client in 4-point restraints: Placing the client in 4-point restraints is a last resort when other safety measures fail. Restraints can escalate agitation and lead to injury or trauma. Delirium should be managed first with environmental and medical interventions.