A client with hyperthyroidism tells the home health nurse, "I stopped taking my antithyroid medication and now I feel anxious. I can feel my heart racing and pounding." Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Peripheral pulses.

Vital signs.

Presence of goitre.

Emotional status.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Assessing peripheral pulses is important for understanding the client's overall circulatory status, but it is not the most urgent assessment in this situation. The client's symptoms suggest a possible thyrotoxic crisis, which requires immediate evaluation of critical vital signs.

Choice B reason: Obtaining vital signs is the most important initial assessment. The client's report of anxiety, heart racing, and pounding could indicate a severe exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, potentially leading to a thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm). Vital signs will provide essential information on the client's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and overall stability, which are crucial for immediate management.

Choice C reason: The presence of a goitre can indicates thyroid gland enlargement, which is relevant for long-term management of hyperthyroidism. However, it does not provide immediate information on the client's current acute condition.

Choice D reason: Assessing emotional status is important for comprehensive care, but it is not the priority in this acute scenario. The client's physiological status needs to be stabilized first, as indicated by their vital signs, before focusing on their emotional state.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Drawing air in through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips is a technique known as pursed-lip breathing. This method helps improve gas exchange by keeping the airways open longer during exhalation, which aids in the removal of trapped air and reduces dyspneal.

Choice B reason: Increasing the breathing rate for a full 30 seconds is not recommended for clients with emphysema. Rapid breathing can lead to hyperventilation and increased work of breathing, which can exacerbate dyspneal.

Choice C reason: Raising hands above the head to expand the diaphragm might help in some situations, but it is not as effective as pursed-lip breathing for improving gas exchange and reducing dyspneal in clients with emphysema.

Choice D reason: Laying down on each side with knees bent and breathing from the abdomen is a relaxation technique that can help some clients, but it does not specifically address the need for improved gas exchange during episodes of dyspneal.

A. Notify the charge nurse that the client will need assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility. B. Place the nasal swab specimen for COVID-19 directly into a biohazard bag. C. Maintain a 6 feet (1.8 meters) distance from the client unless wearing an N95 respirator and personal protective equipment (PPE) for droplet precautions. D. Start an intravenous infusion for an antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Notifying the charge nurse that the client will need assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility is an important action for infection control. However, the most immediate priority is to protect oneself and others by maintaining appropriate distance and using PPE.

Choice B reason: Placing the nasal swab specimen for COVID-19 directly into a biohazard bag is necessary for safe specimen handling and to prevent contamination. While important, it follows after ensuring that proper PPE is used and distancing measures are maintained.

Choice C reason: Maintaining a 6 feet (1.8 meters) distance from the client unless wearing an N95 respirator and personal protective equipment (PPE) for droplet precautions is the most crucial action. This step ensures the nurse’s safety and reduces the risk of virus transmission. Proper PPE and distancing protocols are essential in managing a suspected COVID-19 case.

Choice D reason: Starting an intravenous infusion for an antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results is part of the treatment plan if the test comes back positive. However, this step comes after ensuring safety through proper use of PPE and maintaining distance from the client.

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A client with hyperthyroidism tells the home health nurse, "I stopped taking my antithyroid medication and now I feel anxious. I can feel my heart racing and pounding." Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client with emphysema who is mildly dyspneic after ambulation. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client to improve gas exchange?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to obtain a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test for a client who was exposed to the virus eight days ago. The client is experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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