A client diagnosed with myxedema reports having experienced a lack of energy, cold intolerance, and puffiness around the eyes and face. The nurse plans care knowing that these clinical manifestations are caused by a lack of production of which hormones? Select all that apply.
- A. Thyroxine (T4)
- B. Prolactin (PRL)
- C. Triiodothyronine (T3)
- D. Growth hormone (GH)
- E. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- F. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: Although all of these hormones originate from the anterior pituitary, only T3 and T4 are associated with the client's symptoms. Myxedema results from inadequate thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4). Low levels of thyroid hormone result in an overall decrease in the basal metabolic rate, affecting virtually every body system and leading to weakness, fatigue, and a decrease in heat production. A decrease in LH results in the loss of secondary sex characteristics. A decrease in ACTH is seen in Addison's disease. PRL stimulates breast milk production by the mammary glands, and GH affects bone and soft tissue by promoting growth through protein anabolism and lipolysis.
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The client states the need to use three pillows under the head and upper torso at night to be able to breathe comfortably while sleeping. The nurse documents that the client is experiencing which clinical finding?
- A. Orthopnea
- B. Dyspnea at rest
- C. Dyspnea on exertion
- D. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea is a subjective complaint that can range from an awareness of breathing to physical distress and does not necessarily correlate with the degree of heart failure. Dyspnea can be exertional or at rest. Orthopnea is a more severe form of dyspnea, requiring the client to assume a 'three-point' position while upright and use pillows to support the head and upper torso at night. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is a severe form of dyspnea occurring suddenly at night because of rapid fluid reentry into the vasculature from the interstitium during sleep.
While preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) medication, the nurse notes that the medication is incompatible with the IV solution. Which intervention should the nurse implement to assure the client's safety?
- A. Ask the provider to prescribe a compatible IV solution.
- B. Start a new IV catheter for the incompatible medication.
- C. Collaborate with the provider for a new administration route.
- D. Flush tubing before and after administering the medication with normal saline.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When giving a medication intravenously, if the medication is incompatible with the IV solution, the tubing is flushed before and after the medication with infusions of normal saline to prevent in-line precipitation of the incompatible agents. Starting a new IV, changing the solution, or changing the administration route is unnecessary because a simpler, less risky, viable option exists.
The nurse in the postpartum unit is assessing for signs of breast-feeding problems demonstrated by either the newborn or the mother. Which findings indicate a problem? Select all that apply.
- A. The infant exhibits dimpling of the cheeks.
- B. The infant makes smacking or clicking sounds.
- C. The mother's breast gets softer during a feeding.
- D. Milk drips from the mother's breast occasionally.
- E. The infant falls asleep after feeding less than 5 minutes.
- F. The infant can be heard swallowing frequently during a feeding.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Infant signs of breast-feeding problems include dimpling of the cheeks; making smacking or clicking sounds; falling asleep after feeding less than 5 minutes; refusing to breast-feed; tongue thrusting; failing to open the mouth at latch-on; turning the lower lip in; making short, choppy motions of the jaw; and not swallowing audibly. Softening of the breast during feeding, noting milk in the infant's mouth or dripping from the mother's breast occasionally, and hearing the infant swallow are signs that the infant is receiving adequate nutrition.
The nurse is caring for a client who has undergone transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma. In the postoperative period, which information should the nurse provide to the client to minimize the risk for surgery-related injury?
- A. Cough and deep breathe hourly.
- B. Nasal packing will be removed after 48 hours.
- C. Report frequent swallowing or postnasal drip.
- D. Acetaminophen is prescribed for severe postsurgical headache.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client should report frequent swallowing or postnasal drip or nasal drainage after transsphenoidal surgery because it could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The client should deep breathe, but coughing is contraindicated because it could cause increased intracranial pressure. The surgeon removes the nasal packing placed during surgery, usually after 24 hours. The client should also report severe headache because it could indicate increased intracranial pressure.
An emergency department nurse prepares to plan care for a child diagnosed with acetaminophen overdose. The nurse reviews the primary health care provider's prescriptions and prepares to administer which medication?
- A. Succimer
- B. Vitamin K
- C. Acetylcysteine
- D. Protamine sulfate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose. It is administered orally or via nasogastric tube in a diluted form with water, juice, or soda. It can also be administered intravenously (undiluted). Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin. Succimer is used in the treatment of lead poisoning. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin.