An overweight African-American female client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism asks the nurse why she has begun to gain body weight. Which is the best explanation the Medical Surgical nurse can provide?

"Your metabolism is slowing down."

"You should be exercising for longer periods of time."

"You could be making healthier food choices."

"You are retaining fluid."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

(a) "Your metabolism is slowing down.":

Hypothyroidism leads to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, which are critical in regulating metabolism. With lower levels of these hormones, the body's metabolic rate decreases, resulting in reduced calorie burning and subsequent weight gain. This explanation directly addresses the underlying cause of weight gain in hypothyroidism.

(b) "You should be exercising for longer periods of time.":

While exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help manage weight, it does not directly address the reason for weight gain in hypothyroidism. The primary issue is the slowed metabolism due to thyroid hormone deficiency, not a lack of exercise.

Although diet plays a role in weight management, this response does not explain the root cause of weight gain in hypothyroidism. The condition itself slows metabolism, leading to weight gain even if dietary habits remain unchanged.

(d) "You are retaining fluid.":

Fluid retention can occur in hypothyroidism but is not the primary reason for weight gain in this condition. The main cause is a decreased metabolic rate, which leads to the accumulation of body fat. Fluid retention might contribute to some weight gain, but it is not the best explanation in this context.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A) Encourage the client to look at the balance beam:

Encouraging the client to look at the balance beam may help her feel more engaged in the process of weight measurement. This can foster trust and cooperation during what may be a challenging procedure due to her history of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa.

B) Have the client wear the same clothing every day:

Consistency in clothing helps to minimize variations in weight measurements that could be attributed to changes in clothing weight rather than actual body weight fluctuations. This practice ensures more accurate and reliable serial weight measurements.

C) Weigh the client at the same time in the morning:

Weighing the client at the same time each day helps to standardize conditions and minimize daily variations due to factors like hydration levels and food intake, providing more accurate serial weight measurements.

D) Use the same scale to weigh the client:

Using the same scale ensures consistency in measurement accuracy. Different scales can yield slightly different readings, which could affect the interpretation of weight trends over time.

E) Discuss the client's weight with her after each measurement:

While discussing weight may be part of the client's care plan, it's not necessarily a standard action during the process of conducting serial weight measurements. The focus during the actual weighing process should be on maintaining consistency and accuracy.

A. Mucous Membranes B. Dorsal surface of the hand C. Dorsal surface of the foot D. Pinnae of the ears

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Mucous Membranes:

In clients with dark skin, mucous membranes such as the lips, tongue, and gums are the best sites to assess for cyanosis. These areas have less pigmentation and are more vascular, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of oxygenation and the presence of cyanosis.

B. Dorsal surface of the hand:

The dorsal surface of the hand can be used to assess for cyanosis in lighter-skinned individuals, but it is less reliable in dark-skinned clients due to the higher melanin content, which can obscure the bluish tint indicative of cyanosis.

C. Dorsal surface of the foot:

Similar to the dorsal surface of the hand, the dorsal surface of the foot is not an ideal site for assessing cyanosis in clients with dark skin. The presence of melanin can make it difficult to detect changes in skin color.

D. Pinnae of the ears:

The pinnae of the ears are also not the best sites for assessing cyanosis in dark-skinned clients. These areas can be highly pigmented, which can mask the bluish discoloration associated with cyanosis. The mucous membranes remain the most reliable site for this assessment.

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An overweight African-American female client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism asks the nurse why she has begun to gain body weight. Which is the best explanation the Medical Surgical nurse can provide?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 22-year-old female client with a history of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa is prescribed serial weight measurements every day. What actions will the nurse take when conducting these serial weights? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A nurse is assessing for cyanosis in a client who has dark skin. Which of the following sites should the nurse examine to identify cyanosis in this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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