A 40-year-old female client has a family history of thyroid problems and is being seen by the primary health care provider for unintentional weight loss, irritability, and chest discomfort. Her probable diagnosis is hyperthyroidism, which the primary health care provider plans to confirm by laboratory testing. What additional physical assessment findings would the nurse expect to be present in this client? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Unilateral edema is a common sign of DVT. This occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow in the affected vein, leading to fluid buildup in the tissue, which causes swelling. The swelling is usually confined to the area of the leg where the clot is located, making it an important diagnostic indicator. In DVT, the affected limb often appears swollen compared to the other limb, and this can be easily observed by the healthcare provider during the physical examination.

Choice B reason: Nausea is not typically associated with DVT. While nausea can occur due to various medical conditions, it is not a primary symptom of DVT. DVT primarily affects the circulatory system, leading to symptoms related to impaired blood flow, such as swelling, pain, and redness in the affected limb. Therefore, nausea is unlikely to be directly related to the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg.

Choice C reason: Groin discomfort can be a symptom of DVT, especially if the clot is located in the femoral vein. The femoral vein runs through the groin area, and a clot in this vein can cause pain and tenderness in the groin. This discomfort is due to the pressure and inflammation caused by the clot obstructing blood flow. Patients may report a dull or aching pain in the groin, which can be exacerbated by movement or pressure.

Choice D reason: Calf pain is a classic symptom of DVT. It often presents as cramping, soreness, or aching in the calf due to the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. The pain is caused by the increased pressure and inflammation in the affected vein, which irritates the surrounding tissues. This symptom is a key indicator of DVT and should prompt further evaluation and diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the presence of a clot.

Choice A reason: Monitoring potassium levels is essential for various medical conditions, but it is not specifically used to evaluate the effects of therapy for acute pancreatitis. Potassium levels may be monitored to assess overall electrolyte balance and kidney function, but they do not provide direct information about pancreatic inflammation or damage.
Choice B reason: Monitoring lipase levels is crucial in evaluating the effects of therapy for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas, and its levels rise significantly during an acute episode of pancreatitis. Elevated lipase levels are a sensitive and specific indicator of pancreatic inflammation and damage. By regularly measuring lipase levels, healthcare providers can assess the severity of the condition, monitor the patient's response to treatment, and make necessary adjustments to the therapeutic regimen.
Choice C reason: Calcium levels are not typically used to evaluate the effects of therapy for acute pancreatitis. Although hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) can be a risk factor for developing pancreatitis, monitoring calcium levels is not a standard method for assessing the effectiveness of treatment for the condition.
Choice D reason: Bilirubin levels are not directly related to the evaluation of therapy for acute pancreatitis. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is primarily used to assess liver function and diagnose conditions such as jaundice or liver disease. While liver function tests may be performed in patients with pancreatitis to rule out concurrent liver issues, bilirubin levels alone do not provide information about the effectiveness of therapy for pancreatitis.