A nurse is collecting data on a patient who has hyperthyroidism.
Which of the following symptoms should the nurse anticipate the patient to report?

Choice A rationale:

Constipation is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. In fact, one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is increased bowel movement. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by the overproduction of hormones from the thyroid gland.

Choice B rationale:

Weight gain is not a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. On the contrary, weight loss is one of the symptoms of this condition. This is because hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism, causing increased calorie burning and significant weight loss. Choice C rationale:

Sensitivity to cold is not a symptom of hyperthyroidism. Instead, individuals with hyperthyroidism often have an increased sensitivity to heat. This is due to the increased metabolic rate which can cause excessive sweating and hot flashes.

Choice D rationale:

Frequent mood changes are a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. The overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland can lead to symptoms such as irritability and restlessness. Additionally, other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping can also contribute to mood changes.

Choice A rationale:

Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling. However, one of the key reasons aspirin is administered to a patient with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is due to its antiplatelet aggregate properties. This effect reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. If a patient has recently had surgery on clogged arteries (such as bypass surgery, carotid endarterectomy, coronary stent), doctors may direct them to use aspirin in low doses as a “blood thinner” to prevent blood clots.

Choice B rationale:

While aspirin does have analgesic properties, meaning it can relieve mild to moderate pain from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, and headaches, this is not the primary reason it would be administered to a patient with a history of MI. The main goal in this context is to prevent further cardiac events, which is achieved through aspirin’s antiplatelet effects.

Choice C rationale:

Aspirin does have anti-inflammatory properties and it may be used to reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as arthritis. However, in the context of a patient with a history of MI, the anti-inflammatory property is not the primary reason for administering aspirin. The key purpose is to leverage its antiplatelet effects to prevent further cardiac events.

Choice D rationale:

Aspirin can be used to reduce fever, which is what the term ‘antipyretic’ refers to. However, similar to the analgesic and antiinflammatory properties, the antipyretic property is not the primary reason for administering aspirin to a patient with a history of MI. The main goal is to prevent further cardiac events through its antiplatelet effects.