Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimotos thyroiditis. When assessing this patient, what sign or symptom would the nurse expect?
- A. Symptoms of hypothyroidism extreme fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, voice huskiness or hoarseness, menstrual disturbance
- B. Bulging eyes
- C. Palpitations
- D. Flushed skin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Symptoms of hypothyroidism include extreme fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, voice huskiness or hoarseness, menstrual disturbance, and numbness and tingling of the fingers. Bulging eyes, palpitations, and flushed skin would be signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is planning the care of a patient with hyperthyroidism. What should the nurse specify in the patients meal plan?
- A. A clear liquid diet, high in nutrients
- B. Small, frequent meals, high in protein and calories
- C. Three large, bland meals a day
- D. A diet high in fiber and plant-sourced fat
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A patient with hyperthyroidism has an increased appetite. The patient should be counseled to consume several small, well-balanced meals. High-calorie, high-protein foods are encouraged. A clear liquid diet would not satisfy the patients caloric or hunger needs. A diet rich in fiber and fat should be avoided because these foods may lead to GI upset or increase peristalsis.
The home care nurse is conducting patient teaching with a patient on corticosteroid therapy. To achieve consistency with the bodys natural secretion of cortisol, when would the home care nurse instruct the patient to take his or her corticosteroids?
- A. In the evening between 4 PM and 6 PM
- B. Prior to going to sleep at night
- C. At noon every day
- D. In the morning between 7 AM and 8 AM
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In keeping with the natural secretion of cortisol, the best time of day for the total corticosteroid dose is in the morning from 7 to 8 AM. Large-dose therapy at 8 AM, when the adrenal gland is most active, produces maximal suppression of the gland. Also, a large 8 AM dose is more physiologic because it allows the body to escape effects of the steroids from 4 PM to 6 AM, when serum levels are normally low, thus minimizing cushingoid effects.
A patient who has been taking corticosteroids for several months has been experiencing muscle wasting. The patient has asked the nurse for suggestions to address this adverse effect. What should the nurse recommend?
- A. Activity limitation to conserve energy
- B. Consumption of a high-protein diet
- C. Use of OTC vitamin D and calcium supplements
- D. Passive range-of-motion exercises
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscle wasting can be partly addressed through increased protein intake. Passive ROM exercises maintain flexibility, but do not build muscle mass. Vitamin D and calcium supplements do not decrease muscle wasting. Activity limitation would exacerbate the problem.
A nurse caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus is reviewing laboratory results. What is an expected urinalysis finding?
- A. Glucose in the urine
- B. Albumin in the urine
- C. Highly dilute urine
- D. Leukocytes in the urine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with diabetes insipidus produce an enormous daily output of very dilute, water-like urine with a specific gravity of 1.001 to 1.005. The urine contains no abnormal substances such as glucose or albumin. Leukocytes in the urine are not related to the condition of diabetes insipidus, but would indicate a urinary tract infection, if present in the urine.
A patient has been admitted to the post-surgical unit following a thyroidectomy. To promote comfort and safety, how should the nurse best position the patient?
- A. Side-lying (lateral) with one pillow under the head
- B. Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees and no pillows placed under the head
- C. Semi-Fowlers with the head supported on two pillows
- D. Supine, with a small roll supporting the neck
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When moving and turning the patient, the nurse carefully supports the patients head and avoids tension on the sutures. The most comfortable position is the semi-Fowlers position, with the head elevated and supported by pillows.