A client receiving thyroid replacement therapy following a thyroidectomy is seen in the dinic for a 6 weeks postoperative check-up. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Report of bowel functioning since surgery.
Heart rate and body weight.
Number of any missed doses of medication.
Daily caloric intake.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While bowel function can be affected by medication, it's not a primary indicator of thyroid hormone replacement effectiveness.
B. These are the most important assessments to determine the effectiveness of thyroid replacement therapy. Thyroid hormones influence metabolic rate, which directly affects heart rate and body weight. Changes in these parameters can indicate under- or over-replacement of thyroid hormones.
C. While medication adherence is important, it doesn't directly assess the medication's effectiveness.
D. Dietary intake is important for overall health but is not directly related to thyroid hormone replacement therapy effectiveness.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is the safest and most accurate option. Insulin dosing is critical, and an overdose can lead to hypoglycemia, a serious condition. By discarding the incorrect dose and starting anew, the nurse ensures the client receives the precise amount of insulin prescribed.
B. This option is inefficient and increases the risk of error. It involves using two different methods for insulin administration, which can lead to confusion and potential mistakes. Additionally, it doesn't address the initial error of dialing the incorrect dose.
C. This option is extremely dangerous. Administering more insulin than prescribed can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Wasting the remaining four units does not rectify the primary issue of the overdose.
D. Insulin pens are designed for precision. Altering the dialed dose after an error can compromise the accuracy of the insulin delivery system. This method is not reliable and can lead to inaccurate dosing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While weight monitoring is important for heart failure management, it's not the priority in this situation. The low potassium level is a more immediate concern.
B. The serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range and indicates hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients taking cardiac glycosides. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.
C. Dietary intake can contribute to potassium levels, but it's not the most urgent action at this time.
D. Assessing for edema is important for monitoring heart failure status, but it's not the priority when there's a critical electrolyte imbalance.
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