Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Endocrine System Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Endocrine System related questions and content

What life-threatening outcome should the nurse monitor for in a client who is not compliant with taking prescribed antithyroid medication?

  • A. Thyrotoxic crisis
  • B. Myxedema coma
  • C. Diabetes insipidus
  • D. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Thyrotoxic crisis, an abrupt and life-threatening form of hyperthyroidism, is thought to be triggered by extreme stress, infection, diabetic ketoacidosis, trauma, toxemia of pregnancy, or manipulation of a hyperactive thyroid gland during surgery or physical examination. Although rare, this condition may occur in clients with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hyperthyroidism. Myxedema coma is associated with hypothyroidism. Diabetes insipidus (DI) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) clinical manifestations do not correlate with medication taken for hyperthyroidism.