Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient in a long-term care facility who has these medications prescribed. After the patient is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which of the following medications should the nurse report to the health care provider?
- A. Docusate
- B. Diazepam
- C. Ibuprofen
- D. Cefoxitin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Worsening of mental status and myxedema coma can be precipitated by the use of sedatives, especially in older persons. The nurse should discuss the diazepam with the health care provider before administration. The other medications may be given safely to the patient.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing's syndrome who is admitted for an adrenalectomy. The patient has a nursing diagnosis of disturbed body image related to changes in appearance caused by the effects of the disease. Which of the following interventions is most helpful?
- A. Reassure the patient that the physical changes are very common in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
- B. Discuss the use of diet and exercise in controlling the weight gain associated with Cushing syndrome.
- C. Teach the patient that most of the physical changes caused by Cushing's syndrome will resolve after surgery.
- D. Remind the patient that the metabolic impact of Cushing's syndrome is of more importance than appearance.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most reassuring communication to the patient is that most of the physical and emotional changes caused by the Cushing's syndrome will resolve after hormone levels return to normal postoperatively. Reassurance that the physical changes are expected or that there are more serious physiological problems associated with Cushing's syndrome are not therapeutic responses. The patient's physiological changes are caused by the high hormone levels, not by the patient's diet or exercise choices.
The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected acromegaly at the clinic. When completing the subjective inquiry, which question should the nurse ask?
- A. Have you had a recent head injury?
- B. Do you have to wear larger shoes now?
- C. Are you experiencing tremors or anxiety?
- D. Is there any family history of acromegaly?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acromegaly causes an enlargement of the hands and feet. Head injury and family history are not risk factors for acromegaly. Tremors and anxiety are not clinical manifestations of acromegaly.
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency. Which of the following findings indicate that the prescribed therapies are effective?
- A. Increasing serum sodium levels
- B. Decreasing blood glucose levels
- C. Decreasing serum chloride levels
- D. Increasing serum potassium levels
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clinical manifestations of Addison's disease include hyponatremia and an increase in sodium level indicates improvement. The other values indicate that treatment has not been effective.
The nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension who is diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor in the patient?
- A. Flushing
- B. Headache
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The classic clinical manifestations of pheochromocytoma are hypertension, tachycardia, severe pounding headache, diaphoresis, and abdominal or chest pain. Elevated blood glucose may also occur because of sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Bradycardia and flushing would not be expected.
Which of the following information should the nurse include when teaching a patient who has been newly diagnosed with Graves' disease?
- A. Exercise is contraindicated to avoid increasing metabolic rate.
- B. Restriction of iodine intake is needed to reduce thyroid activity.
- C. Surgery will eventually be required to remove the thyroid gland.
- D. Antithyroid medications may take several weeks to have an effect.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Medications used to block the synthesis of thyroid hormones may take several weeks before an effect is seen. Large doses of iodine are used to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Exercise using large muscle groups is encouraged to decrease the irritability and hyperactivity associated with high levels of thyroid hormones. Radioactive iodine is the most common treatment for Graves' disease although surgery may be used.