A client presents at the emergency department reporting a raspy voice, cold intolerance, and fatigue. Laboratory tests indicate an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and low T3 and T4 levels. After the client is admitted to the telemetry unit, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Offer additional blankets and a warm drink.
Note the client's most recent hemoglobin level.
Administer prescribed dose of levothyroxine.
Assess for presence of non-pitting edema.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect- While providing comfort measures like blankets and warm drinks can help the client feel more comfortable, they do not address the underlying thyroid hormone imbalance.
B) Incorrect- Hemoglobin level is not directly related to the client's symptoms or the thyroid hormone imbalance. Monitoring hemoglobin is important in assessing anemia but is not the priority in this case.
C) Correct- The client's symptoms (raspy voice, cold intolerance, fatigue) along with an elevated TSH and low T3 and T4 levels suggest hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Administering the prescribed dose of levothyroxine is crucial to address the thyroid hormone imbalance and alleviate the symptoms.
D. Incorrect- Non-pitting edema is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The client's symptoms and lab results are more indicative of hypothyroidism, and addressing the thyroid hormone imbalance is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Initiating the urine collection without reporting the low serum creatinine is inappropriate. A value of 0.3 mg/dL is below the reference range and may indicate significant muscle wasting or severe malnutrition.
Choice B rationale: Evaluating the BUN level provides information about hydration and renal perfusion, but it does not address the immediate clinical significance of an abnormally low creatinine level in an older adult client.
Choice C rationale: The nurse must notify the provider because a creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is abnormally low. In older adults, this often reflects low muscle mass, which significantly impacts how drug dosages are calculated.
Choice D rationale: Assessing for hypokalemia is not directly indicated by a low creatinine level. While electrolyte monitoring is important in drug toxicity, it is not the priority action linked to this specific lab finding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
MRSA is a highly contagious bacteria that can easily spread from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. By instructing the family to adhere to contact precautions, the nurse can help prevent the spread of MRSA to the client's postoperative wound. Contact precautions typically involve wearing gloves and a gown when in direct contact with the client or the client's immediate environment.
While reporting any increase in the white blood cell count, changing the surgical dressing when soiled, and wearing a face mask during wound care are all important aspects of postoperative care, they are not specifically targeted at preventing the recurrence of MRSA. Adhering to contact precautions is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of MRSA and protect the client from further infection.
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