A patient presents with irritability, muscle weakness, tremors, and weight loss despite increased appetite. Laboratory tests reveal elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?
- A. Hyperthyroidism
- B. Hypothyroidism
- C. Diabetes mellitus
- D. Cushing's syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The symptoms of irritability, muscle weakness, tremors, weight loss despite increased appetite, along with elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and suppressed TSH levels, are indicative of hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism. This results in symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, irritability, and muscle weakness. The elevated levels of thyroid hormone are detected in the laboratory tests, along with low TSH levels due to negative feedback regulation. Therefore, the most likely endocrine disorder responsible for these symptoms is hyperthyroidism.
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Ms. C is at risk for refeeding syndrome that is caused by rapid feeding. What should be the priority action of the health care team to prevent complications associated with this syndrome?
- A. Assess for signs of pallor of the extremities and sluggish capillary refill
- B. Monitor for decreased bowel sounds, nausea, bloating, and abdominal distention
- C. Observe for signs of secret purging and ingestion of water to increase weight
- D. Monitor for peripheral edema, crackles in the lungs, and jugular vein distention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Refeeding syndrome is a potentially dangerous condition that can occur in malnourished individuals when nutrition is reintroduced too quickly. It is characterized by shifts in electrolytes, fluid imbalance, and metabolic abnormalities. Monitoring for decreased bowel sounds, nausea, bloating, and abdominal distention is the priority action to prevent complications associated with refeeding syndrome. These symptoms can indicate gastrointestinal issues such as ileus or overfeeding, which can lead to further complications. Early recognition and intervention can help prevent serious consequences of refeeding syndrome.
A 45-year-old woman presents with heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency anemia. On pelvic examination, the uterus is enlarged, and multiple irregularly shaped masses are palpated. Which condition is most likely to be responsible for these findings?
- A. Leiomyomas (uterine fibroids)
- B. Endometrial hyperplasia
- C. Endometrial polyps
- D. Adenomyosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The clinical presentation of heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, an enlarged uterus, and irregularly shaped masses palpated on pelvic examination is most indicative of leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids. Leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors that commonly occur in women of reproductive age. They can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency anemia due to their size and location within the uterus. On pelvic examination, leiomyomas can be felt as irregularly shaped masses within the uterine wall. This presentation is classic for leiomyomas and distinguishes them from conditions such as endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and adenomyosis.
A patient receiving palliative care for end-stage heart failure experiences severe fatigue and limited mobility. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to promote the patient's comfort and quality of life?
- A. Recommend initiating physical therapy to improve mobility and strength.
- B. Encourage the patient to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary activities.
- C. Prescribe stimulant medications to alleviate fatigue and increase energy levels.
- D. Refer the patient to a nutritionist for dietary modifications to boost energy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the palliative nurse should prioritize encouraging the patient to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary activities (Option B). End-stage heart failure can lead to severe fatigue and limited mobility, making it essential for the patient to conserve energy to prevent exacerbating symptoms and improve quality of life. Engaging in physical therapy (Option A) may not be suitable for a patient experiencing severe fatigue, as it can further drain energy reserves. Prescribing stimulant medications (Option C) may have limited effectiveness and potential side effects. Referring the patient to a nutritionist for dietary modifications (Option D) is important for overall health but may not directly address the immediate comfort and quality of life concerns related to fatigue and limited mobility. Helping the patient prioritize energy conservation will allow them to use their limited energy for essential activities, leading to a more comfortable and fulfilling experience while receiving palliative care for end-stage heart failure.
A woman in active labor is experiencing meconium-stained amniotic fluid. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer oxygen to the mother.
- B. Prepare for immediate delivery.
- C. Insert a urinary catheter to monitor urine output.
- D. Notify the neonatal resuscitation team.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicates that the fetus may have passed stool in utero, which can lead to potential respiratory problems once born due to meconium aspiration. The priority action for the nurse in this situation is to prepare for immediate delivery to expedite the removal of the fetus from the contaminated environment and provide necessary interventions such as suctioning of the airway to prevent aspiration of meconium. Prompt delivery is crucial to minimize the risk of complications related to meconium aspiration syndrome. Administering oxygen, inserting a urinary catheter, and notifying the neonatal resuscitation team can be important subsequent actions, but the immediate focus should be on delivering the baby.
As a nurse you are guided that pain is usually described BEST as a phenomenon which is a ________.
- A. Neurologic activation nociceptors
- B. Subjective unpleasant experience
- C. Adaptive mechanism to a stimulus
- D. Creation of one's imagination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pain is best described as a subjective unpleasant experience because it is unique to each individual and is influenced by a variety of factors including emotional, psychological, and cultural elements. Pain cannot be objectively measured or quantified, and therefore it is considered a subjective experience that is reported by the person experiencing it. This is why pain is often assessed using self-report scales and tools to capture the individual's perception of their pain intensity and quality.