Nokea
A client has been diagnosed with myxedema from long-standing hypothyroidism. What clinical manifestation(s) of this disorder does the nurse recognize is progressing to myxedema coma? Select all that apply.
- A. Hypothermia
- B. Hypertension
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hypoventilation
- E. Hyperventilation
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Severe hypothyroidism is called myxedema. Advanced, untreated myxedema can progress to myxedema coma. Signs of this life-threatening event are hypothermia, hypotension, and hypoventilation. Hypertension and hyperventilation indicate increased metabolic responses, which are the opposite of what the client would be experiencing.
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The nurse is assessing a client in the clinic who appears restless, excitable, and agitated. The nurse observes that the client has exophthalmos and neck swelling. What diagnosis do these clinical manifestations correlate with?
- A. Hypothyroidism
- B. Hyperthyroidism
- C. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
- D. Diabetes insipidus (DI)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with hyperthyroidism characteristically are restless despite feeling fatigued and weak, highly excitable, and constantly agitated. Fine tremors of the hand occur, causing unusual clumsiness. The client cannot tolerate heat and has an increased appetite but loses weight. Diarrhea also occurs. Visual changes, such as blurred or double vision, can develop. Exophthalmos, seen in clients with severe hyperthyroidism, results from enlarging muscle and fatty tissue surrounding the rear and sides of the eyeball. Hypothyroidism clinical manifestations are the opposite of what is seen in hyperthyroidism, and SIADH and DI clinical manifestations do not correlate with the symptoms manifested by the client.
The nurse is teaching a client who is to receive lypressin nasal spray as treatment for neurogenic diabetes insipidus about administration. Which client statement indicates the need for additional teaching?
- A. I'll inhale fully after spraying the drug.'
- B. If my nose gets irritated, I'll call my physician.'
- C. I should hold the spray container upright.'
- D. While sitting up, I'll place the nozzle in my nostril.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When administering lypressin nasal spray, the client should not inhale the drug. Calling the physician if he or she experiences nasal irritation, holding the container upright, and placing the nozzle in the nostril while sitting up are appropriate.
A client with Addison disease is being discharged from the hospital and is being instructed about the dietary regimen. What type of diet should the nurse provide written and verbal instructions about?
- A. Low-carbohydrate, low-protein diet
- B. Low-fat, high-protein diet
- C. Low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
- D. High-protein, moderate-carbohydrate diet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate diet that is low in refined carbohydrates is recommended to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia from excess insulin secretion. The risk of hypoglycemia is also lessened by consuming frequent meals and snacks, especially a substantial bedtime snack. The other dietary regimens are not effective in the management of Addison disease.
The nurse is teaching a client about the dietary restrictions related to a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. What foods should the nurse encourage the client to avoid?
- A. Bananas
- B. Chicken livers
- C. Hamburger
- D. Milk
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with hyperparathyroidism should use a low-calcium diet (fewer dairy products) and drink at least 3 to 4 L of fluid daily to dilute the urine and prevent renal stones from forming. It is especially important that the client drink fluids before going to bed and periodically throughout the night to avoid concentrated urine. Bananas, chicken livers, and hamburgers do not require avoidance. Milk is the highest in calcium content.
Which of the following precautions would be most appropriate when caring for a client being treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) for a thyroid tumor?
- A. Administer prescribed corticosteroids carefully.
- B. Handle body fluids carefully.
- C. Monitor the respiratory status.
- D. Administer the prescribed medications at the same time each day.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse handles body fluids carefully to prevent spread of contamination. Corticosteroids are not prescribed for thyroid tumor. Monitoring the respiratory status and administering prescribed medicines at the same time each day are unrelated to the care of a client receiving RAI.