A 65-year-old patient is admitted to the ICU with myxedema coma. Which of the following interventions is the priority for this patient?

Administer IV levothyroxine.

Start broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Administer corticosteroids immediately.

Initiate fluid restriction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:

Administering IV levothyroxine is the priority intervention for a patient with myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that requires immediate thyroid hormone replacement to correct the deficiency and stabilize the patient’s condition. Intravenous levothyroxine is preferred because it provides a rapid increase in thyroid hormone levels, which is crucial for reversing the life-threatening symptoms of myxedema coma, such as hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status.

Choice B Reason:

Starting broad-spectrum antibiotics is not the primary intervention for myxedema coma. While infections can precipitate myxedema coma and should be treated if present, the immediate priority is to address the severe hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement. Antibiotics may be administered if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but they do not directly address the underlying thyroid hormone deficiency.

Choice C Reason:

Administering corticosteroids immediately is important but not the highest priority. Corticosteroids are often given to patients with myxedema coma to treat potential adrenal insufficiency, which can coexist with severe hypothyroidism. However, the primary intervention remains the administration of thyroid hormone replacement to correct the hypothyroid state.

Choice D Reason:

Initiating fluid restriction is not appropriate for managing myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma often require careful fluid management to address potential hyponatremia and maintain hemodynamic stability. Fluid restriction is not a standard intervention for this condition and does not address the critical need for thyroid hormone replacement.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Increased appetite is not typically associated with anemia. Anemia generally leads to symptoms related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Increased appetite is more commonly linked to other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or certain metabolic disorders.

Choice B Reason:

Fatigue is a common and significant symptom of anemia. When hemoglobin levels are low, the body’s tissues do not receive adequate oxygen, leading to feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. This is because hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. In anemia, the reduced oxygen delivery results in decreased energy levels and persistent fatigue.

Choice C Reason:

Weight gain is not typically associated with anemia. In fact, some forms of anemia, such as those caused by chronic diseases or malnutrition, may lead to weight loss rather than gain. Weight gain can be associated with other health issues, such as hypothyroidism or fluid retention, but not directly with anemia.

Choice D Reason:

Hypertension is not a common manifestation of anemia. Anemia usually leads to symptoms like pallor, shortness of breath, and fatigue due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is more commonly associated with cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, or endocrine conditions.

A. Implementing strict hand hygiene protocols. B. Administering prophylactic antibiotics regularly. C. Encouraging the patient to eat a high-protein diet. D. Limiting the patient’s fluid intake.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Implementing strict hand hygiene protocols is the most critical intervention to prevent infection in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Patients with ALL are highly susceptible to infections due to their compromised immune systems, which result from both the disease and the chemotherapy treatment. Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in infection control, significantly reducing the transmission of pathogens. Ensuring that all healthcare providers, patients, and visitors adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols can greatly minimize the risk of infections.

Choice B Reason:

Administering prophylactic antibiotics regularly can help prevent infections, but it is not the most critical intervention. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and other complications. While antibiotics are important in managing infections, they should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other infection control measures, such as hand hygiene.

Choice C Reason:

Encouraging the patient to eat a high-protein diet is beneficial for overall health and recovery, but it does not directly prevent infections. A high-protein diet can help maintain muscle mass and support the immune system, but it is not a primary infection control measure.

Choice D Reason:

Limiting the patient’s fluid intake is not relevant to preventing infections in patients with ALL. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and helps in the management of side effects from chemotherapy. Fluid restriction is not a standard intervention for infection prevention in this context.

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A 65-year-old patient is admitted to the ICU with myxedema coma. Which of the following interventions is the priority for this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Explanation

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