A nurse is reviewing laboratory results and notes that a client has an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Which of the following assessment findings would the nurse expect?
Increased thirst, increased urine output, and weight loss
Fatigue, constipation, weight gain
Anxiety, unintended weight loss, palpitations
Shakiness, sweating, nausea
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Increased Thirst, Increased Urine Output, and Weight Loss
Increased thirst, increased urine output, and weight loss are symptoms commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, particularly uncontrolled diabetes. These symptoms occur due to the body’s attempt to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and subsequent weight loss. However, these symptoms are not typically associated with elevated TSH levels, which indicate hypothyroidism.
Choice B reason: Fatigue, Constipation, Weight Gain
Fatigue, constipation, and weight gain are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism2. When the thyroid gland is underactive, it produces insufficient thyroid hormones, leading to a slowdown in the body’s metabolism. This results in fatigue, weight gain, and constipation, among other symptoms. Elevated TSH levels are a compensatory response by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones, confirming hypothyroidism.

Choice C reason: Anxiety, Unintended Weight Loss, Palpitations
Anxiety, unintended weight loss, and palpitations are symptoms typically associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to an accelerated metabolism. This results in symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate (palpitations), and anxiety. Elevated TSH levels would not be expected in hyperthyroidism; instead, TSH levels would be low due to negative feedback from high thyroid hormone levels.
Choice D reason: Shakiness, Sweating, Nausea
Shakiness, sweating, and nausea can be symptoms of various conditions, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), anxiety, or panic attacks. These symptoms are not specific to thyroid dysfunction and are not typically associated with elevated TSH levels. Hypothyroidism, indicated by high TSH levels, usually presents with symptoms related to a slowed metabolism, such as fatigue and weight gain, rather than shakiness and sweating.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Acetaminophen is often used to manage pain and fever, but it is not the primary treatment for pericarditis. While it can help alleviate discomfort, it does not address the inflammation associated with pericarditis12.
Choice B Reason:
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent various types of serious irregular heartbeats, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It is not typically used for treating pericarditis, as it does not address the inflammation or pain associated with the condition.
Choice C Reason:
Colchicine is recommended as part of the first-line treatment for pericarditis. It helps reduce inflammation and the risk of recurrent pericarditis when used in conjunction with NSAIDs5. Colchicine is effective in managing symptoms and preventing recurrences.
Choice D Reason:
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with pericarditis. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for pericarditis to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Indomethacin, along with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, is often part of the first-line treatment for this condition.
Choice E Reason:
Nitroglycerine is primarily used to treat angina (chest pain) and heart failure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart’s workload. It is not typically used for treating pericarditis, as it does not address the inflammation or pain associated with the condition.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Acetone Breath
Acetone breath is typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). In DKA, the body produces high levels of ketones, leading to a fruity or acetone-like breath odor. HHS, on the other hand, does not usually involve significant ketone production, so acetone breath is not a characteristic feature of HHS.
Choice B reason: Fever
Fever can be a clinical manifestation of HHS, often indicating an underlying infection, which is a common precipitating factor for HHS. Infections can exacerbate hyperglycemia and contribute to the development of HHS, making fever a relevant symptom to consider.
Choice C reason: 68 Years of Age
While age itself is not a clinical manifestation, HHS predominantly affects older adults, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, being 68 years old is consistent with the typical demographic affected by HHS, but it is not a direct clinical manifestation.
Choice D reason: Serum Glucose 800 mg/dL
A serum glucose level of 800 mg/dL is significantly elevated and is a hallmark of HHS2. Normal serum glucose levels range from 74 to 106 mg/dL. Such high levels of glucose are indicative of severe hyperglycemia, which is a defining characteristic of HHS.
Choice E reason: Serum Bicarbonate 15 mEq/L
A serum bicarbonate level of 15 mEq/L is below the normal range of 21 to 28 mEq/L. This indicates metabolic acidosis, which can occur in HHS due to severe dehydration and impaired renal function. Although metabolic acidosis is more pronounced in DKA, it can still be present in HHS.
Choice F reason: Insidious Onset
HHS typically has an insidious onset, developing slowly over days to weeks. This gradual progression contrasts with the rapid onset of DKA and is a key feature in the clinical presentation of HHS.
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