A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Laboratory tests reveal high TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Hypothyroidism
- B. Hyperthyroidism
- C. Thyroiditis
- D. Thyroid cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is A: Hypothyroidism. High TSH and low free T4 levels indicate primary hypothyroidism. Elevated TSH is a compensatory response by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones, but the thyroid gland is unable to do so effectively, resulting in low free T4 levels. Fatigue, weight gain, and constipation are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- B: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by low TSH and high free T4 levels, opposite of the lab results presented.
- C: Thyroiditis may initially present with high or low thyroid hormone levels, but the combination of high TSH and low free T4 levels is more indicative of hypothyroidism.
- D: Thyroid cancer typically does not cause abnormal thyroid hormone levels; it is more commonly associated with thyroid nodules or masses.
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What nursing intervention can help alleviate pruritus in a client with cirrhosis?
- A. Administering antihistamines
- B. Providing a high-protein diet
- C. Applying emollients to the skin
- D. Encouraging frequent baths with hot water
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Applying emollients to the skin. Pruritus is common in cirrhosis due to bile salt accumulation. Emollients help hydrate and protect the skin, reducing itching. Antihistamines (A) may not be effective for pruritus in cirrhosis. High-protein diet (B) is unrelated to pruritus. Hot water baths (D) can worsen itching by drying out the skin.
A client has been diagnosed with an esophageal diverticulum after undergoing diagnostic imaging. When taking the health history, the nurse should expect the client to describe what sign or symptom?
- A. Burning pain on swallowing
- B. Regurgitation of undigested food
- C. Symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction
- D. Chronic parotid abscesses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer B (Regurgitation of undigested food):
1. Esophageal diverticulum is a pouch-like protrusion in the esophageal wall, causing difficulty in swallowing.
2. Due to the diverticulum, food may get trapped and regurgitated, leading to regurgitation of undigested food.
3. This symptom is characteristic of esophageal diverticulum and indicates an abnormality in the esophageal functioning.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Burning pain on swallowing - Not a typical symptom of esophageal diverticulum; more indicative of conditions like GERD.
C: Symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction - Unrelated to esophageal diverticulum and more suggestive of cardiac issues.
D: Chronic parotid abscesses - Not associated with esophageal diverticulum, as parotid abscesses involve the salivary glands.
A 70-year-old man presents with weight loss, jaundice, and a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Gallstones
- B. Hepatitis
- C. Pancreatic cancer
- D. Primary biliary cirrhosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis in this case is pancreatic cancer (Choice C) based on the constellation of symptoms including weight loss, jaundice, palpable mass in the right upper quadrant, and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. These findings are indicative of a pancreatic head mass causing obstruction of the common bile duct, leading to jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. Gallstones (Choice A) typically present with colicky pain, not a palpable mass. Hepatitis (Choice B) would present with different liver enzyme patterns and usually lacks a palpable mass. Primary biliary cirrhosis (Choice D) typically presents with pruritus and fatigue, not a palpable mass and jaundice.
The client is receiving intravenous vancomycin. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?
- A. Red man syndrome.
- B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- C. Mild itching at the IV site.
- D. Nausea and vomiting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red man syndrome. This is a severe adverse reaction to vancomycin characterized by flushing, rash, hypotension, and tachycardia. It can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis. Immediate reporting is crucial for prompt intervention. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within normal range, mild itching at the IV site is common and can be managed topically, and nausea and vomiting are common side effects of vancomycin but are not life-threatening compared to Red man syndrome.
The nurse is providing an educational workshop about coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors. The nurse explains to participants that CAD has many risk factors, some that can be controlled and some that cannot. What risk factors should the nurse list that can be controlled or modified?
- A. Gender, obesity, family history, and smoking
- B. Inactivity, stress, gender, and smoking
- C. Cholesterol levels, hypertension, and smoking
- D. Stress, family history, and obesity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because cholesterol levels, hypertension, and smoking are modifiable risk factors for CAD. High cholesterol levels can be controlled through diet and medication. Hypertension can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Smoking is a behavior that can be modified.
A is incorrect because gender and family history are non-modifiable risk factors. Obesity can be controlled but is not listed in the correct answer.
B is incorrect because inactivity and stress are modifiable risk factors, but gender is not modifiable.
D is incorrect because stress and family history are non-modifiable risk factors, and obesity is not listed in the correct answer.