A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has primary hypothyroidism. The nurse should anticipate an elevation of which of the following laboratory values?
Free T4
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Serum T3
Serum T4
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones, including Free T4. Therefore, we would not expect an elevation of Free T4 in primary hypothyroidism; instead, its levels would typically be low or normal.
Choice B reason:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are elevated in primary hypothyroidism because the pituitary gland releases more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. This is a compensatory response to the low levels of circulating thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine (T4).
Choice C reason:
Serum T3 levels may be low or normal in primary hypothyroidism. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is usually converted from T4. If T4 levels are low, T3 levels may also be affected; however, T3 levels are not the primary diagnostic marker for hypothyroidism and do not typically show elevation in this condition.
Choice D reason:
Serum T4 levels are typically low in primary hypothyroidism because the thyroid gland is not producing enough of this hormone. An elevation of serum T4 would not be expected unless the patient is receiving treatment for hypothyroidism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Blood in the urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia) can be a sign of advanced prostate cancer. This symptom occurs when the cancer affects the urinary or reproductive tracts, causing bleeding. It is a direct result of the tumor invading nearby tissues or structures.
Choice B reason:
While anemia can be associated with chronic diseases like cancer, it is not a direct manifestation of the advancing disease process of prostate cancer. Anemia in cancer patients is often multifactorial, including chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or treatment-related side effects.
Choice C reason:
A dark-colored or elevated lesion is not typically associated with prostate cancer. Such lesions are more commonly related to skin cancers or other dermatological conditions.
Choice D reason:
An enlarged liver or gallbladder can be a sign of metastasis in advanced cancer cases, including prostate cancer. However, it is less specific than blood in the urine or semen and can be caused by a variety of other conditions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Telling a client that they will be at an increased risk of breast cancer due to fibrocystic breast changes would be incorrect. Fibrocystic breast changes are not directly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. While the presence of complex fibrocystic changes may slightly elevate the risk, fibrocystic breasts themselves are a common and benign condition.
Choice B reason:
It is not accurate to say that the manifestations of fibrocystic breasts often get worse after menopause. In fact, fibrocystic changes are related to hormone levels, and most women experience relief from these symptoms after menopause when hormone levels decline.
Choice C reason:
Stating that menopause won't have any effect on the manifestations is also incorrect. Menopause typically leads to a decrease in hormone levels, which are associated with fibrocystic breast changes. Therefore, most women see an improvement in their symptoms after menopause.
Choice D reason:
The most appropriate response is that the manifestations usually go away after menopause. Fibrocystic breast changes are linked to hormonal fluctuations, and after menopause, when these fluctuations cease, the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts typically resolve.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
