Prioritize the nursing interventions for Mr. Frank.

Options:

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.

Choice A reason:
Administering furosemide in this scenario would further lower the serum potassium level, as furosemide is a loop diuretic known for causing potassium loss through urine. This action could worsen the patient’s hypokalemia, leading to severe complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, administering furosemide in the presence of hypokalemia is inappropriate and could put the patient at significant risk.
Choice B reason:
Administering both spironolactone and furosemide together without addressing the hypokalemia would not be safe. While spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, combining it with furosemide could negate its potassium-sparing effects. Furthermore, administering furosemide when hypokalemia is present could cause further electrolyte imbalance. Proper evaluation of the patient's condition and selective administration of the medications are crucial in this case.
Choice C reason:
Withholding both medications and attributing the decision to contraindications with hyperkalemia is incorrect because the reported potassium level (3.2 mEq/L) reflects hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Misinterpreting the lab result could delay appropriate treatment, such as correcting the potassium level or safely administering a medication that would not exacerbate the hypokalemia. Proper communication with the healthcare provider is necessary for effective patient care.
Choice D reason:
Administering spironolactone is the best action in this scenario because it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. By administering spironolactone, the risk of worsening hypokalemia is minimized. Notifying the healthcare provider about the low potassium level ensures appropriate monitoring and any necessary interventions, such as potassium supplementation. This approach is both safe and effective in managing the patient’s current condition while adhering to standard nursing practices.