A 45-year-old female patient presents with symptoms of weight loss, palpitations, and heat intolerance. Laboratory results reveal elevated T3 and T4 levels and suppressed TSH levels. Considering her clinical presentation and lab results, which of the following treatments is most appropriate for managing her hyperthyroidism?
Methimazole.
Levothyroxine.
Radioactive iodine.
Propranolol.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Methimazole is an antithyroid medication that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is commonly used to manage hyperthyroidism, especially in patients who are not candidates for radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Methimazole is effective in reducing thyroid hormone levels and controlling symptoms, but it requires long-term use and regular monitoring of thyroid function tests.
Choice B Reason:
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4) used to treat hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Administering levothyroxine to a patient with hyperthyroidism would exacerbate the condition by increasing thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, it is not an appropriate treatment for managing hyperthyroidism.
Choice C Reason:
Radioactive iodine is a widely used treatment for hyperthyroidism. It works by destroying overactive thyroid cells, thereby reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This treatment is particularly effective for patients with Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, or toxic adenoma. Radioactive iodine is a definitive treatment that can lead to a permanent resolution of hyperthyroidism, although it may result in hypothyroidism, which can be managed with levothyroxine.
Choice D Reason:
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that helps manage the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations, tremors, and anxiety. While it is useful for symptomatic relief, it does not address the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism. Propranolol is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine, to provide immediate symptom control.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tonometry is a diagnostic test that measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye. This measurement is crucial for detecting and managing glaucoma, as elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for the disease. By measuring the pressure, healthcare providers can assess the risk of optic nerve damage and initiate appropriate treatments to prevent vision loss.
Choice B Reason:
Tonometry does not allow for the inspection of the optic disc for signs of degeneration. This function is typically performed using ophthalmoscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provide detailed images of the optic nerve and retina. These tests are essential for evaluating the structural damage caused by glaucoma but are not part of the tonometry procedure.
Choice C Reason:
Tonometry is not performed to evaluate peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is assessed using perimetry or visual field testing, which maps the field of vision and detects areas of vision loss. This test helps determine the extent of visual impairment caused by glaucoma but is separate from tonometry.
Choice D Reason:
Tonometry does not diagnose the type of glaucoma. While it measures intraocular pressure, diagnosing the specific type of glaucoma requires a comprehensive eye examination, including gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle of the eye and other tests to assess optic nerve health and visual field. Therefore, tonometry is just one component of the diagnostic process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by elevated PTH levels, which lead to increased serum calcium levels and decreased serum phosphate levels. The patient’s lab results show low PTH and low serum calcium, which are not consistent with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Choice B Reason:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause disturbances in calcium and phosphate metabolism, but it typically presents with elevated PTH levels due to secondary hyperparathyroidism. The patient’s low PTH levels make CKD an unlikely diagnosis in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to low serum calcium levels, but it usually results in elevated PTH levels as the body attempts to compensate for the low calcium. The patient’s low PTH levels do not align with a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency.
Choice D Reason:
Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by low serum calcium, low PTH levels, and elevated serum phosphate levels. This condition occurs when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH, leading to the observed lab results and symptoms such as tingling, muscle cramps, and fatigue. The patient’s lab results are consistent with hypoparathyroidism.
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