HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone Related

Review HESI RN Exit Exam 2024 Capstone related questions and content

A client with hypothyroidism is experiencing severe lethargy and cold intolerance. What action should the nurse take?

  • A. Increase the dose of levothyroxine.
  • B. Administer a PRN dose of antipyretic medication.
  • C. Provide a warm blanket and increase the room temperature.
  • D. Increase the client's fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the dose of levothyroxine. In hypothyroidism, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like lethargy and cold intolerance. Increasing the dose of levothyroxine, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, helps correct the deficiency and alleviates the symptoms. Choice B, administering antipyretic medication, is incorrect as antipyretics are used to reduce fever, not treat hypothyroidism symptoms. Choice C, providing a warm blanket and increasing room temperature, may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying hormonal deficiency. Choice D, increasing fluid intake, is important for overall health but does not directly address the symptoms of hypothyroidism.