Which laboratory values are critical for the nurse to monitor for a client who is experiencing a thyrotoxic crisis?
Glucose and calcium levels.
Electrolytes and hemoglobin.
Renal and liver function tests.
Blood and urine cultures.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Glucose may be elevated due to stress, and calcium can be mildly elevated in hyperthyroidism, but these are not the most critical or life-threatening concerns during a thyroid storm.
B. Electrolytes and hemoglobin: While monitoring electrolytes is important, they are not the most critical values in a thyrotoxic crisis. Hemoglobin levels are not directly impacted by thyroid storm and are less likely to provide essential insights for managing this condition.
C. A thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) is a life-threatening complication of severe hyperthyroidism characterized by extreme hypermetabolism, high fever, tachycardia, and possible organ failure. Renal and liver function tests are critical because liver dysfunction is common due to increased metabolic demand and decreased perfusion. Elevated AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels may occur. Renal impairment may result from dehydration, hyperthermia, and decreased cardiac output. Multiorgan failure is a major risk, so monitoring kidney and liver function helps assess severity and guide treatment. Therefore, renal and liver function tests are essential labs to closely monitor.
D. Blood and urine cultures: Blood and urine cultures are used to detect infections, they are not a priority during a thyrotoxic crisis unless there is a concern about infection. The primary focus should be on managing thyroid hormone levels and associated metabolic effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Offer the client to move to a quiet room first: Changing the environment may reduce distractions, but it does not directly support the client’s immediate attempt to communicate. The priority is to respond to the client’s active effort to speak in the moment.
B. Allow the client time to complete her sentence: Allowing extra time promotes autonomy, reduces frustration, and respects the communication process for clients with aphasia. It gives the client space to formulate thoughts without pressure or interruption, which supports language recovery and expression.
C. Pull up a chair and sit quietly with the client: Sitting quietly can offer emotional support, but it may be perceived as passive when the client is actively trying to communicate. The nurse should take a facilitative role by giving the client time to speak, rather than only offering silent presence.
D. Provide a list of phrases to express herself properly: Providing phrases may overwhelm or confuse the client, especially during spontaneous attempts to speak. Aphasia affects word retrieval, and prompting with choices may interrupt the client's cognitive effort.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Amiodarone: Amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, but it is not a beta blocker and is less likely to cause acute bronchoconstriction. It should still be used cautiously in clients with lung disease, but it is not the priority to withhold based on current symptoms.
B. Propranolol: Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker that can worsen bronchospasm in clients with COPD by blocking beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Given the client’s shortness of breath and COPD history, the nurse should consult the HCP before administering this drug.
C. Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload and edema. It is appropriate in the presence of pitting edema and respiratory symptoms, as it may relieve symptoms related to right-sided heart failure commonly associated with advanced COPD.
D. Losartan: Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to manage hypertension and reduce cardiac workload. It does not typically worsen pulmonary function and is not contraindicated in COPD patients presenting with shortness of breath or edema.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.