A nurse is caring for a client who has Graves' disease and is to start therapy with propylthiouracil. The nurse should expect which of the following outcomes?
Increased Hct
Decreased WBC count
Decreased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increased Hct. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid medication that reduces excessive thyroid hormone production in Graves' disease. It does not directly affect hematocrit (Hct) levels. While anemia can occur in some clients with untreated hyperthyroidism, PTU itself is not expected to raise Hct.
B. Decreased WBC count. A serious adverse effect of PTU is agranulocytosis, which results in a dangerously low white blood cell (WBC) count, increasing the risk of infection. However, this is a potential complication rather than an expected therapeutic outcome. Clients on PTU require regular monitoring of WBC levels to detect early signs of agranulocytosis.
C. Decreased heart rate. Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, which increases metabolism and leads to symptoms such as tachycardia. PTU works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to a gradual reduction in heart rate as thyroid function normalizes. This is a desired outcome of treatment, helping to reduce cardiovascular strain associated with hyperthyroidism.
D. Increased blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can cause elevated blood pressure due to increased cardiac output. As PTU lowers thyroid hormone levels, blood pressure is expected to decrease or stabilize rather than increase. An increase in blood pressure would be unexpected and may indicate another underlying issue requiring evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Jaundice. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a sign of liver dysfunction and may indicate hepatotoxicity rather than an allergic reaction. Some medications can cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), but jaundice is not a typical symptom of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
B. Urticaria. Urticaria (hives) is a classic allergic reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. It occurs due to the release of histamine in response to an allergen, which increases capillary permeability and leads to swelling and itching. Urticaria may be accompanied by angioedema, respiratory distress, or anaphylaxis, requiring immediate intervention if severe.
C. Bradycardia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical manifestation of an allergic reaction. While anaphylaxis can cause hypotension and tachycardia due to systemic vasodilation, bradycardia is more commonly associated with beta-blockers, heart block, or vagal stimulation rather than an allergic response.
D. Hypertension. Allergic reactions, especially severe ones like anaphylaxis, typically cause vasodilation and hypotension, not hypertension. While stress or anxiety related to an allergic episode may lead to a temporary rise in blood pressure, persistent hypertension is not a direct sign of an allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client had a local reaction from a previous immunization. A mild local reaction, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, is not a contraindication to receiving the MMR vaccine. These reactions are common and typically resolve without complications. Only severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, would warrant withholding the vaccine.
B. The client reports having diarrhea this morning. Mild illnesses, such as diarrhea or the common cold, do not contraindicate vaccination. The MMR vaccine can be safely administered as long as the client does not have a moderate to severe illness with fever. Delaying immunization due to minor illnesses could lead to unnecessary gaps in vaccine coverage.
C. The client is at 9 weeks of gestation. The MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk of fetal harm. Pregnant individuals should wait until after delivery to receive the vaccine. If a client of childbearing age is vaccinated, they should be advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks following immunization to reduce the risk of congenital rubella syndrome.
D. The client reports an allergy to penicillin. A penicillin allergy is not a contraindication for the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine does not contain penicillin or related antibiotics. Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components, such as neomycin or gelatin, would be more relevant contraindications. Clients with a penicillin allergy can safely receive the MMR vaccine without concern.
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