The client is being evaluated for hypothyroidism. During assessment, the nurse should stay alert for:
- A. exophthalmos and conjunctival redness
- B. flushed, warm, moist skin
- C. systolic murmur at the left sternal border
- D. decreased body temperature and cold intolerance
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, decreased body temperature and cold intolerance, because these are classic signs of hypothyroidism due to decreased thyroid hormone levels. The body's metabolism slows down, leading to a lower core body temperature and reduced ability to tolerate cold. Exophthalmos and conjunctival redness (choice A) are associated with hyperthyroidism. Flushed, warm, moist skin (choice B) is indicative of hyperthyroidism as well, due to increased metabolic rate. A systolic murmur at the left sternal border (choice C) is not a common finding in hypothyroidism.
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A patient expresses fear of going home and being alone. Vital signs are stable and the incision is nearly completely healed. What can the nurse infer from the subjective data?
- A. The patient can now perform the dressing changes without help.
- B. The patient can begin retaking all of the previous medications.
- C. The patient is apprehensive about discharge.
- D. The patient’s surgery was not successful.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient expressing fear of going home and being alone indicates apprehension about discharge. This is supported by stable vital signs and nearly healed incision, suggesting physical recovery. Choice A is incorrect as fear of being alone does not necessarily mean the patient can perform dressing changes independently. Choice B is incorrect as resuming medications is not related to the patient's fear of being alone. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest the surgery was unsuccessful based on the information provided.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a bleeding ulcer and is to receive 4 units of packed cells. Which nursing intervention is of primary importance in the administration of blood?
- A. Checking the flow rate
- B. Monitoring the vital signs
- C. Identifying the client
- D. Maintaining blood temperature
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Identifying the client is crucial for correct blood transfusion to avoid errors.
Step 2: Client identification includes verifying name, date of birth, and unique identifiers.
Step 3: Ensuring correct patient prevents transfusion reactions and improves patient safety.
Step 4: Monitoring vital signs and flow rate are important but secondary to client identification.
Step 5: Maintaining blood temperature is not a primary concern during blood transfusion.
A 34 year old client is diagnosed with AIDS. His pharmacologic management includes zidovudine (AZT). During a home visit, the client states, “I don’t understand how this medication works. Will it stop the infection?” What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. The medication helps to slow the disease process, but it won’t cure or stop it totally
- B. The medication blocks reverse transcriptase, the enzyme required fro HIV replication
- C. Don’t you know? There aren’t medication to stop or cure HIV
- D. No. it won’t stop the infection. In fact, sometimes the HIV can become immune to the drug itself
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should explain that zidovudine (AZT) works by blocking reverse transcriptase, the enzyme necessary for HIV replication. This is the key mechanism of action for AZT in managing HIV.
Choice A is incorrect because it provides a partial truth - it does slow the disease process but does not provide the mechanism of action. Choice C is incorrect as it provides incorrect information that there are no medications to stop or cure HIV, which is not true. Choice D is incorrect as it provides misleading information about the drug becoming immune to HIV, which is not the primary concern in this context.
A nurse is working with a dying client and his family. Which communication technique is most important to use?
- A. Reflection
- B. Clarification
- C. Interpretation
- D. Active listening
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Active listening. Active listening is crucial when working with a dying client and their family as it involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. This technique helps the nurse show empathy, build trust, and provide emotional support. By actively listening, the nurse can better understand the client's needs and concerns, which is essential in end-of-life care. Reflection (A) involves paraphrasing what the client said, which may not always be appropriate in this sensitive situation. Clarification (B) and Interpretation (C) involve adding one's own understanding or perspective, which can be intrusive and may not align with the client's feelings or beliefs.
A client requires minor surgery for removal of a basal cell tumor. The anesthesiologist administers the anesthetic ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar), 60g IV. After Ketamine administration, the nurse should monitor the client for:
- A. Muscle rigidity and spasms
- B. Hiccups
- C. Extrapyramidal reactions
- D. Respiratory depression
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle rigidity and spasms. Ketamine can cause muscle rigidity and spasms as a side effect. The anesthesiologist should monitor the client for this adverse reaction. Muscle rigidity and spasms are common with ketamine administration and can affect the client's comfort and safety during the procedure. It is important for the nurse to promptly address any signs of muscle rigidity or spasms to prevent complications.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Hiccups - Ketamine can cause hiccups, but it is not the primary side effect to monitor for in this scenario.
C: Extrapyramidal reactions - Ketamine does not typically cause extrapyramidal reactions.
D: Respiratory depression - Ketamine is known for its minimal effect on respiratory depression compared to other anesthetics. Monitoring respiratory depression is still important, but not the primary concern with ketamine administration in this case.