HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2023 Capstone related questions and content

During a thyroid storm, what is the nurse's priority intervention for a client experiencing increased heart rate and tremors?

  • A. Administer antithyroid medications as prescribed.
  • B. Administer a beta-blocker to control the heart rate.
  • C. Monitor the client's temperature closely.
  • D. Prepare the client for an emergency thyroidectomy.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antithyroid medications as prescribed during a thyroid storm. Antithyroid medications help control the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which is crucial in managing symptoms such as increased heart rate and tremors. These symptoms can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Administering a beta-blocker (Choice B) may help control the heart rate, but addressing the underlying cause with antithyroid medications is the priority. Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice C) is important but not the priority intervention during a thyroid storm. Lastly, preparing the client for an emergency thyroidectomy (Choice D) is not the initial intervention for managing symptoms of a thyroid storm.