A nurse is monitoring a client following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypoparathyroidism?

Elevated blood pressure

Involuntary muscle spasms

Cold intolerance

Weight loss

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect finding, because elevated blood pressure is not a sign of hypoparathyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands produce insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and bones. Elevated blood pressure can be a sign of hyperparathyroidism, which is the opposite condition.

Choice B reason: This is the correct finding, because involuntary muscle spasms are a sign of hypoparathyroidism, which causes hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels. Hypocalcemia can cause neuromuscular irritability and tetany, which are manifested by muscle spasms, twitching, cramps, or seizures.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect finding, because cold intolerance is not a sign of hypoparathyroidism, but a sign of hypothyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism and body temperature. Cold intolerance can also be a sign of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect finding, because weight loss is not a sign of hypoparathyroidism, but a sign of hyperthyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolism and energy expenditure. Weight loss can also be a sign of Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disease that causes overstimulation and enlargement of the thyroid gland.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because ambulating the client every 1 hr can increase the oxygen demand and worsen the sickling of the red blood cells.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because applying cold compresses to painful joints can cause vasoconstriction and reduce the blood flow to the affected areas.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because withholding opioids until the crisis is resolved can cause unnecessary suffering and increase the stress response, which can trigger more sickling.

Choice D reason: This is the correct intervention, because administering oxygen via nasal cannula can improve the oxygen saturation and prevent further sickling of the red blood cells.

A. Each client is different. We cannot predict what will happen. B. I can see that you are worried, but it's too soon to predict what will happen. C. Acute episodes are usually followed by remissions, which can last varying lengths of time. D. It's too early to think about the future. Let's focus on the present and take one day at a time.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is a vague and unhelpful response, because it does not provide any information or reassurance to the client who has a new diagnosis of MS. The nurse should explain the general course of MS and the possible variations among clients.

Choice B reason: This is a sympathetic but incomplete response, because it does not address the client's question or provide any information about the course of MS. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and provide factual and realistic information.

Choice C reason: This is the best response, because it provides accurate and relevant information about the course of MS, which is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. MS can cause acute episodes of neurological symptoms, such as vision loss, numbness, weakness, or fatigue, which are followed by periods of remission, when the symptoms improve or disappear. The length and frequency of the episodes and remissions can vary among clients.

Choice D reason: This is a dismissive and unrealistic response, because it does not answer the client's question or respect the client's right to know about the course of MS. The nurse should not avoid the client's concerns or minimize the impact of the diagnosis. The nurse should help the client cope with the uncertainty and plan for the future.

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A nurse is monitoring a client following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypoparathyroidism?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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