The nurse is reviewing the nurse’s notes and flow chart to identify trends.
Which notations require immediate follow-up?

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.

Choice A rationale

The patient is resting and cooperative, which indicates a calm and alert state, not agitation. Orientation x means the patient is aware of person, place, time, and situation, which is a normal finding. Dizziness is not mentioned in the patient’s condition. Pupils being equal and reactive to light is a normal finding and does not indicate a neurological issue.

Choice B rationale

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, which is not mentioned in the patient’s condition. Weak bilateral radial pulses could indicate poor blood circulation, but this is not mentioned in the patient’s condition. Capillary refill of 2 seconds is a normal finding. The absence of lower leg edema is a normal finding and does not indicate a cardiovascular issue.

Choice C rationale

Clear breath sounds are a normal finding and indicate that the patient’s lungs are free of obstructions or fluid.

Choice D rationale

The last reported bowel movement being 4 days ago could indicate constipation, but this is not mentioned in the patient’s condition.