A patient with primary hypothyroidism is showing early signs of myxedema coma.
In what order should the nurse perform the following assessments? (Rank the first action at the top with the remainder in descending order.)
Measure body temperature.
Palpate for pedal edema.
Observe breathing patterns.
Assess blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is C,A,D,B
Step 1: Observe breathing patterns. Respiratory depression is a critical symptom of myxedema coma that requires immediate attention.
Step 2: Measure body temperature. Hypothermia is a common symptom of myxedema coma and can provide important information about the severity of the patient’s condition.
Step 3: Assess blood pressure. Hypotension can occur in myxedema coma and can indicate the severity of the patient’s condition.
Step 4: Palpate for pedal edema. While this can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, it is not typically a primary concern in a patient showing signs of myxedema coma.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While monitoring the respiratory rate is important in a patient receiving opioids like hydromorphone, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of the medication.
Choice B rationale
Pain scale assessment is the most direct way to evaluate if the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone. Equianalgesic refers to a dose of one opioid that would provide the same level of pain relief as a given dose of another opioid. If the patient’s pain is well-controlled, it suggests that the dose of hydromorphone is equianalgesic to the dose of the previous opioid.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring blood pressure is important in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause hypotension. However, blood pressure does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.
Choice D rationale
While it’s important to monitor the level of consciousness in a patient receiving opioids as these medications can cause sedation, it does not directly indicate whether the patient is receiving an equianalgesic dose of hydromorphone.
Correct Answer is ["18"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to calculate the infusion rate. The prescription is for heparin 900 units/hr IV. The IV bag contains heparin 25,000 units in 500 mL of 0.45% normal saline.
So, the calculation would be (900 units ÷ 25,000 units) × 500 mL = 18 mL/hr.
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