A 52-year-old client reports weight gain and tiredness. On assessment, her vital signs are blood pressure 124/74 mm/hg, pulse rate 52 beats/min. respiratory rate 20 breaths/minute, and temperature 98.0 F. Laboratory results show low thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels. The nurse knows these symptoms are associated with which condition?

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Hypokalemia

Tetany

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Hypothyroidism: Low levels of T4 and T3, combined with symptoms like weight gain, tiredness, and bradycardia, are consistent with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism results from an underactive thyroid gland, which produces insufficient thyroid hormones, leading to metabolic slowing and the symptoms described.

B. Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is associated with high levels of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), which leads to symptoms like weight loss, tachycardia (fast heart rate), nervousness, and heat intolerance, none of which are present in this client.

C. Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) typically presents with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramping, but it does not explain the low thyroid hormone levels or the other signs observed in this case.

D. Tetany: Tetany is caused by hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) and is characterized by muscle spasms and tingling sensations. It is not associated with low thyroid hormone levels.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "You can stop the medication if your symptoms have improved.": Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition, and levothyroxine is typically required lifelong. Stopping the medication without medical guidance could lead to the return of symptoms and complications.

B. "You need to stay on this medication until you become pregnant.": Stopping the medication solely when planning for pregnancy is not the correct advice. Lifelong treatment is usually necessary for hypothyroidism, regardless of pregnancy status.

C. "You need to stay on the medication for at least 1 year before a decision about stopping it can be made.": There is no set timeframe for stopping levothyroxine based on a specific duration. The decision to stop the medication should be based on medical evaluation.

D. Levothyroxine is required for lifelong management of hypothyroidism. Even if symptoms improve, the thyroid gland does not typically recover its ability to produce thyroid hormones, and stopping the medication can lead to the return of hypothyroid symptoms.

A. reduce serum lipid levels B. maintain as near-normal a blood glucose level as possible C. improve health through optimal nutrition D. wean insulin-dependent clients with diabetes from insulin through diet control

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Reduce serum lipid levels: While managing lipid levels is important for clients with diabetes, it is not the primary goal of medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The main focus is on blood glucose control rather than just lipid management.

B. Maintain as near-normal a blood glucose level as possible: The primary goal of MNT for clients with diabetes mellitus is to achieve and maintain near-normal blood glucose levels to prevent complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.

C. Improve health through optimal nutrition: While optimal nutrition is important for overall health, the main objective of MNT in diabetes is focused on blood glucose control. Proper nutrition contributes to overall health, but it is not the sole goal.

D. Wean insulin-dependent clients with diabetes from insulin through diet control: While diet control can help manage blood glucose, it is unlikely to completely eliminate the need for insulin in insulin-dependent clients with type 1 diabetes.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 19-year-old woman has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and has started thyroid replacement therapy with levothyroxine (Synthroid). After 6 months, she calls the nurse to say that she feels better and wants to stop the medication. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The major goal of medical nutrition therapy for clients with diabetes mellitus is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While assessing a client with Graves' disease, the nurse notes that which of the following situations may contribute to making the symptoms worse:

A client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a nursing diagnosis of Knowledge deficit: diabetes, medical regimen, diet, exercise, and self-care management skills. Which nursing goal is appropriate for this client?

Which assessment finding would indicate that Sarah is developing hypothyroidism post-treatment?

The nurse is preparing a patient for a test that will involve the use of contrast media. Which finding in the patient's health history should be reported to the physician before the examination?

The nurse is reviewing the patient's prescribed insulin regimen. The nurse notes that the physician has ordered a long-lasting insulin. Which medication will best meet this criteria?

A client tells the nurse about experiencing symptoms of a hypoglycemic insulin reaction. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?

A nurse assesses a client on the medical-surgical unit. Which statement made by the client should alert the nurse to the possibility of hypothyroidism?