A patient presents with a thyroid storm. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to initially manage this condition?
Administer propranolol intravenously.
Administer dextrose 50% intravenously.
Administer levothyroxine orally.
Administer insulin to control hyperglycemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Administering propranolol intravenously is the most appropriate initial intervention for managing a thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms such as tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperthermia. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, helps control these symptoms by reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, propranolol inhibits the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3, the more active form of thyroid hormone, thereby reducing the overall thyroid hormone activity. This makes it a critical first step in stabilizing the patient.
Choice B Reason:
Administering dextrose 50% intravenously is not the most appropriate initial intervention for thyroid storm. Dextrose 50% is typically used to treat severe hypoglycemia by rapidly increasing blood glucose levels. While maintaining adequate glucose levels is important, it does not address the primary issue of excessive thyroid hormone activity in thyroid storm.
Choice C Reason:
Administering levothyroxine orally is inappropriate in the context of thyroid storm. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of T4 used to treat hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Administering it in a thyroid storm would exacerbate the condition by increasing the levels of thyroid hormone in the body.
Choice D Reason:
Administering insulin to control hyperglycemia is not the primary intervention for thyroid storm. While hyperglycemia can occur in thyroid storm due to increased metabolic activity, the immediate priority is to control the excessive thyroid hormone activity. Insulin administration would be secondary to stabilizing the patient’s thyroid function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Scleral buckling is a surgical procedure used to treat retinal detachment by indenting the wall of the eye. This technique involves placing a silicone band (buckle) around the sclera (the white part of the eye) to push the wall of the eye against the detached retina. This helps to reattach the retina and prevent further detachment. Scleral buckling is effective in treating many types of retinal detachments and is a common procedure for this condition.
Choice B Reason:
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea using a laser but is not used to treat retinal detachment. PRK does not involve indenting the wall of the eye or addressing issues with the retina.
Choice C Reason:
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye to treat various eye conditions, including retinal detachment. While vitrectomy can be used to treat retinal detachment, it does not involve indenting the wall of the eye. Instead, it allows the surgeon to access the retina and perform necessary repairs.
Choice D Reason:
Intravitreal injection involves injecting medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This procedure is used to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. It is not used to treat retinal detachment by indenting the wall of the eye.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision and is characterized by a gradual loss of vision rather than sudden symptoms. It does not typically cause flashes of light, shadows over the visual field, or floaters. These symptoms are more indicative of a retinal issue.
Choice B Reason:
Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night. However, they do not cause sudden flashes of light, shadows over the visual field, or floaters. Cataracts develop gradually and do not present with acute symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
Glaucoma is associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to gradual loss of peripheral vision. While acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden symptoms, it typically presents with severe eye pain, headache, and nausea, rather than flashes of light and floaters.
Choice D Reason:
Retinal detachment is characterized by the sudden onset of flashes of light, floaters, and a shadow or curtain over the visual field. These symptoms occur because the retina is pulling away from its normal position, which can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
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