KB is a 65-year-old man admitted to the hospital after a 5-day episode of "the flu" with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, chest pain, insomnia, and fatigue. KB was diagnosed with Graves' disease 6 months ago and placed on methimazole (Tapazole) 15 mg/day. His other past medical history includes heart failure and hypertension requiring antihypertensive medications; however, he says that he has not been taking these medications on a regular basis. Vital signs (VS) are 150/90, 124 irregular, 20, 100.2°F (37.9°C). Admission assessment findings are height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm), weight 132 lb (60 kg), appears anxious and restless, loud heart sounds, bounding radial pulses, 1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities, diminished breath sounds with fine crackles in the posterior bases, and hyperactive bowel sounds. KB begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife. You notice someone has punched several more holes in his belt so he could tighten it.
Which of KB's assessment findings represent manifestations of hypermetabolism related to the effect of excess circulating thyroid hormone? Select all that apply.
Weight loss.
Begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife.
Hyperactive bowel sounds.
1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities.
Heart rate 124.
Bounding radial pulses.
Anxious and restless.
Correct Answer : A,C,E,F,G
Choice A reason: Weight loss is indicative of hypermetabolism caused by excessive thyroid hormone production. The increased metabolic rate leads to higher energy consumption, resulting in unintentional weight loss even if the patient maintains or increases their food intake.
Choice B reason: Begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife. Emotional responses, such as crying, can be associated with personal loss and grief but are not directly linked to hypermetabolism or excess thyroid hormone. This statement reflects the patient's emotional state rather than a physiological manifestation of hyperthyroidism.
Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are a common manifestation of hypermetabolism due to hyperthyroidism. The increased metabolic rate accelerates gastrointestinal motility, resulting in hyperactive bowel sounds and sometimes diarrhea.
Choice D reason: 1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities is related to fluid retention and heart failure rather than hypermetabolism. Edema is not a typical manifestation of hyperthyroidism and is more indicative of cardiovascular or renal issues.
Choice E reason: A heart rate of 124 (tachycardia) is a common finding in patients with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones increase the heart rate and cardiac output, leading to symptoms such as palpitations and tachycardia.
Choice F reason: Bounding radial pulses are indicative of increased cardiac output and stroke volume, which are common in hyperthyroidism due to the hypermetabolic state induced by excess thyroid hormones. This leads to strong and forceful pulses.
Choice G reason: Anxious and restless behavior is a manifestation of the increased adrenergic activity associated with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones stimulate the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring potassium levels is essential for various medical conditions, but it is not specifically used to evaluate the effects of therapy for acute pancreatitis. Potassium levels may be monitored to assess overall electrolyte balance and kidney function, but they do not provide direct information about pancreatic inflammation or damage.
Choice B reason: Monitoring lipase levels is crucial in evaluating the effects of therapy for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas, and its levels rise significantly during an acute episode of pancreatitis. Elevated lipase levels are a sensitive and specific indicator of pancreatic inflammation and damage. By regularly measuring lipase levels, healthcare providers can assess the severity of the condition, monitor the patient's response to treatment, and make necessary adjustments to the therapeutic regimen.
Choice C reason: Calcium levels are not typically used to evaluate the effects of therapy for acute pancreatitis. Although hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) can be a risk factor for developing pancreatitis, monitoring calcium levels is not a standard method for assessing the effectiveness of treatment for the condition.
Choice D reason: Bilirubin levels are not directly related to the evaluation of therapy for acute pancreatitis. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is primarily used to assess liver function and diagnose conditions such as jaundice or liver disease. While liver function tests may be performed in patients with pancreatitis to rule out concurrent liver issues, bilirubin levels alone do not provide information about the effectiveness of therapy for pancreatitis.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Weight loss is indicative of hypermetabolism caused by excessive thyroid hormone production. The increased metabolic rate leads to higher energy consumption, resulting in unintentional weight loss even if the patient maintains or increases their food intake.
Choice B reason: Begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife. Emotional responses, such as crying, can be associated with personal loss and grief but are not directly linked to hypermetabolism or excess thyroid hormone. This statement reflects the patient's emotional state rather than a physiological manifestation of hyperthyroidism.
Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are a common manifestation of hypermetabolism due to hyperthyroidism. The increased metabolic rate accelerates gastrointestinal motility, resulting in hyperactive bowel sounds and sometimes diarrhea.
Choice D reason: 1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities is related to fluid retention and heart failure rather than hypermetabolism. Edema is not a typical manifestation of hyperthyroidism and is more indicative of cardiovascular or renal issues.
Choice E reason: A heart rate of 124 (tachycardia) is a common finding in patients with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones increase the heart rate and cardiac output, leading to symptoms such as palpitations and tachycardia.
Choice F reason: Bounding radial pulses are indicative of increased cardiac output and stroke volume, which are common in hyperthyroidism due to the hypermetabolic state induced by excess thyroid hormones. This leads to strong and forceful pulses.
Choice G reason: Anxious and restless behavior is a manifestation of the increased adrenergic activity associated with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones stimulate the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.
Choice H reason: Diminished breath sounds with fine crackles in the posterior bases are not directly related to hypermetabolism. These findings are more indicative of fluid overload or heart failure, which can occur in patients with Graves' disease, especially if their heart failure is not well managed.
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