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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a false statement, because adults do not receive a natural immunity to herpes zoster from casual exposure to children who have had chickenpox. Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the nerve cells after a primary infection with chickenpox.
Choice B reason: This is a false statement, because herpes zoster is not prevented by the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Herpes zoster is prevented by the varicella vaccine, which is given separately from the MMR vaccine.
Choice C reason: This is a false statement, because a client who has herpes zoster is contagious if blisters are present on the skin. The blisters contain the varicella-zoster virus, which can be transmitted through direct contact or airborne droplets.
Choice D reason: This is the correct statement, because herpes zoster is contagious to people who have never had chickenpox. People who have never had chickenpox can contract the varicella-zoster virus from a person who has herpes zoster and develop chickenpox as a primary infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Irrigating the catheter with sterile water is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be irrigated with sterile normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to prevent hemolysis of the red blood cells.
Choice B reason: Clamping the drainage catheter during ambulation is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be kept patent and unclamped at all times to prevent obstruction and infection.
Choice C reason: Reporting viscous drainage with clots to the provider is a correct action, because it indicates that the irrigation is not effective and the client may need manual irrigation or surgical intervention.
Choice D reason: Removing the catheter if the client feels a strong urge to urinate is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be left in place until the provider orders its removal. The client may feel a sensation of bladder fullness or spasms due to the irrigation fluid, which can be relieved by medication or adjustment of the flow rate.
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