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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

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.

A. You should avoid or cut down on alcohol and caffeine which can aggravate GERD. B. It is okay to take aspirin with GERD. C. You should avoid possible mercury containing foods such as some seafood because of their risk to GERD. D. There is no causal link between lying down after eating and increased onset of GERD.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Certain lifestyle habits and diet can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms. Alcohol and caffeine are among the substances that can aggravate

GERD123. They can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Therefore, reducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help manage GERD symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause or worsen GERD symptoms. It can irritate the esophagus and stomach lining, leading to heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Therefore, it’s not advisable to take aspirin if you have GERD12.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important to avoid mercury-containing foods due to their potential health risks, there’s no specific link between these foods and GERD12. GERD is primarily triggered by foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter, cause stomach distension, or irritate the esophagus. Mercury-containing foods do not fall into these categories.
Choice D rationale
Lying down after eating can indeed increase the onset of GERD123. When you lie down, it’s easier for stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus. This is why it’s recommended to wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After thyroid surgery, the nurse suspects damage to the parathyroid glands when the patient develops which of the following?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is educating a patient about the risk factors for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient in the primary care office who states, “I think I have been experiencing symptoms of reflux.”. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse anticipate for a patient who has GERD?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with systemic scleroderma five years ago. The nurse plans to assess the client to document the disease’s progression. In addition to skin changes, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain in their lower extremities following surgery. Which of the following should the nurse address first?

A nurse is caring for four hospitalized patients. Which of the following patients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?

A nurse is educating a client who has recently been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The client inquires about foods to avoid. Which food should the nurse advise the client to avoid?

A nurse is assessing a postoperative client who has anemia due to excessive blood loss during surgery. What findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for four patients who are 24 to 36 hours postoperative. Which of the following surgical procedures places the patient at risk for deep-vein thrombosis?