A nurse is assessing a patient admitted with hyperthyroidism.
The patient reports a weight loss of 5.4 kg (12 lb) in the last 2 months, increased appetite, increased perspiration, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and restlessness.Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent a thyroid crisis?
Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment
Keep the patient NPO
Administer aspirin as prescribed for any sign of hyperthermia.
Observe the patient carefully for signs of hypocalcemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Providing a quiet, low-stimulus environment is one of the key interventions for a patient with hyperthyroidism who is at risk of a thyroid crisis. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can accelerate the body’s metabolism causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, increased appetite, increased perspiration, fatigue, menstrual irregularity, and restlessness. A thyroid crisis, also known as a thyroid storm, is a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by extreme symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A quiet, low-stimulus environment can help reduce anxiety and agitation, which can exacerbate symptoms and potentially trigger a thyroid crisis.
Choice B rationale
Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is not typically necessary in the management of hyperthyroidism unless the patient is preparing for a procedure such as thyroid surgery. In
fact, because of the increased metabolic rate in hyperthyroidism, patients often have an increased appetite and may require additional caloric intake.
Choice C rationale
Administering aspirin for any sign of hyperthermia is not recommended in hyperthyroidism. Aspirin can actually increase the level of free thyroid hormones in the blood by displacing them from their binding proteins, potentially worsening the hyperthyroid state.
Choice D rationale
While it is important to observe patients with hyperthyroidism for signs of various complications, hypocalcemia is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, is more commonly associated with hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through fecal contamination of food or water. This can occur when an infected person does not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom and then touches food or other objects that others then put in their mouths.
Choice B rationale
While sexual intercourse can potentially transmit Hepatitis A, it is not the primary mode of transmission. The risk is higher if the sexual activity involves oral-anal contact.
Choice C rationale
Kissing mouth-to-mouth is not typically a primary mode of Hepatitis A transmission unless fecal particles are somehow involved.
Choice D rationale
Contact with infected blood is not the primary mode of Hepatitis A transmission. Hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, not through blood.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperthermia and severe tachycardia are not typical symptoms of damage to the parathyroid glands.
Choice B rationale
Hypercalcemia and shortness of breath are not typical symptoms of damage to the parathyroid glands.
Choice C rationale
Laryngospasms and tingling in the hands and feet can be symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, a condition that can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged. Hypoparathyroidism can lead to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause these symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Hypophosphatemia, hypertension, vomiting, and chest pain are not typical symptoms of damage to the parathyroid glands.
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