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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?

A.

"My sister has thyroid problems."

B.

“I am always tired, even with 12 hours of sleep."

C.

"Food just doesn't taste good without a lot of salt."

D.

"I seem to feel the heat more than other people."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. "My sister has thyroid problems.": While a family history of thyroid problems may increase the risk of developing thyroid disorders, this statement alone does not directly indicate hypothyroidism in the client.

B. “I am always tired, even with 12 hours of sleep.": Fatigue or tiredness, even with adequate sleep, is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid leads to metabolic slowing, causing feelings of exhaustion despite sufficient rest.

C. "Food just doesn't taste good without a lot of salt.": While a preference for salty food could occur in some individuals, it is not a common or specific symptom of hypothyroidism. This could be related to other factors, such as personal taste preferences or sodium intake.

D. "I seem to feel the heat more than other people.": This statement suggests heat intolerance, which is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, individuals tend to feel cold intolerance due to reduced metabolic activity.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The patient is demonstrating improved control of hyperglycemia over the last several months: The HbA1c level reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months. A drop from 9.4% to 5.4% indicates a significant improvement in blood sugar control.

B. The patient has less need for insulin: A drop in HbA1c indicates improved blood sugar control, but it doesn't directly indicate that the patient has reduced insulin needs. Insulin requirements can still vary depending on the individual’s treatment plan and overall health.

C. The patient is experiencing a reduction in insulin sensitivity: Improved control of hyperglycemia (as evidenced by the drop in HbA1c) suggests better insulin sensitivity, not a reduction. Insulin sensitivity typically improves with better glucose control.

D. The patient has been less compliant with the prescribed treatment regimen: A lower HbA1c suggests better compliance with treatment; usually indicates successful management of blood glucose levels, which often results from adhering to the prescribed regimen.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Administer intermediate-acting insulin: Intermediate-acting insulin is not used in the treatment of HHS. In HHS, the primary goal is to lower blood glucose levels gradually using short-acting insulin to prevent rapid changes in glucose and fluid shifts.

B. Infuse 0.9% Normal Saline intravenously: IV fluids are a critical part of the treatment for HHS. 0.9% Normal Saline is used to correct dehydration and restore circulatory volume, which is a major concern in HHS. The goal is to gradually rehydrate the client while simultaneously lowering blood glucose levels.

C. Monitor arterial blood gas results: While monitoring arterial blood gases (ABG) is important for assessing acid-base balance, it is not the priority intervention for HHS. The primary focus should be on correcting hyperglycemia and dehydration first.

D. Perform blood glucose checks daily: Blood glucose monitoring should be more frequent than daily in a client with HHS. It is critical to monitor blood glucose levels every hour or as frequently as needed to assess the effectiveness of interventions and guide insulin therapy.

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