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A patient with thyroid cancer has undergone surgery and a significant amount of parathyroid tissue has been removed. The nurse caring for the patient should prioritize what question when addressing potential complications?
- A. Do you feel any muscle twitches or spasms?
- B. Do you feel flushed or sweaty?
- C. Are you experiencing any dizziness or lightheadedness?
- D. Are you having any pain that seems to be radiating from your bones?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: As the blood calcium level falls, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet and muscle twitching. This is characteristic of hypoparathyroidism. Flushing, diaphoresis, dizziness, and pain are atypical signs of the resulting hypocalcemia.
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A patient with a recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism is being treated for an unrelated injury. When administering medications to the patient, the nurse should know that the patients diminished thyroid function may have what effect?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Increased risk of drug interactions
- D. Prolonged duration of effect
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In all patients with hypothyroidism, the effects of analgesic agents, sedatives, and anesthetic agents are prolonged. There is no direct increase in the risk of anaphylaxis, nausea, or drug interactions, although these may potentially result from the prolonged half-life of drugs.
A patient with Cushing syndrome has been hospitalized after a fall. The dietician consulted works with the patient to improve the patients nutritional intake. What foods should a patient with Cushing syndrome eat to optimize health? Select all that apply.
- A. Foods high in vitamin D
- B. Foods high in calories
- C. Foods high in protein
- D. Foods high in calcium
- E. Foods high in sodium
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Foods high in vitamin D, protein, and calcium are recommended to minimize muscle wasting and osteoporosis. Referral to a dietitian may assist the patient in selecting appropriate foods that are also low in sodium and calories.
The nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with Graves disease. What physical characteristics of Graves disease would the nurse expect to find?
- A. Hair loss
- B. Moon face
- C. Bulging eyes
- D. Fatigue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clinical manifestations of the endocrine disorder Graves disease include exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and fine tremor in the hands. Graves disease is not associated with hair loss, a moon face, or fatigue.
A patient has been assessed for aldosteronism and has recently begun treatment. What are priority areas for assessment that the nurse should frequently address? Select all that apply.
- A. Pupillary response
- B. Creatinine and BUN levels
- C. Potassium level
- D. Peripheral pulses
- E. BP
Correct Answer: C,E
Rationale: Patients with aldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in the serum levels of potassium, and hypertension is the most prominent and almost universal sign of aldosteronism. Pupillary response, peripheral pulses, and renal function are not directly affected.
A nurse works in a walk-in clinic. The nurse recognizes that certain patients are at higher risk for different disorders than other patients. What patient is at a greater risk for the development of hypothyroidism?
- A. A 75-year-old female patient with osteoporosis
- B. A 50-year-old male patient who is obese
- C. A 45-year-old female patient who used oral contraceptives
- D. A 25-year-old male patient who uses recreational drugs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Even though osteoporosis is not a risk factor for hypothyroidism, the condition occurs most frequently in older women.