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 D

Explanation

A) Size:

When assessing lymph nodes, noting the size is crucial as enlarged lymph nodes can indicate infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Size helps in determining the extent and severity of the underlying condition.

B) Consistency:

The consistency of lymph nodes (whether they are hard, rubbery, or soft) provides important diagnostic information. For instance, hard lymph nodes may suggest malignancy, while soft nodes might indicate an infection.

C) Shape:

Recording the shape of lymph nodes is essential in the assessment process. Regular, oval, or round shapes can be normal, while irregularly shaped nodes might be concerning and warrant further investigation.

D) Color:

Color is not typically assessed or noted when examining lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are internal structures, and their color cannot be directly observed without invasive procedures. The focus is usually on palpable characteristics like size, consistency, and shape.

A. "Let's discuss your risk factors for heart disease." B. "We should review the amount of protein in your diet." C. "Waist circumference can vary over the course of the day." D. "You probably have a vitamin deficiency."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) "Let's discuss your risk factors for heart disease.":

A waist circumference of 43 inches (109 cm) in a male is considered elevated and indicates central obesity, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Addressing this finding by discussing risk factors for heart disease is appropriate and necessary for preventive healthcare.

B) "We should review the amount of protein in your diet.":

While diet is important, protein intake is not directly related to waist circumference. The primary concern with a large waist circumference is the associated risk of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, rather than specific macronutrient consumption.

C) "Waist circumference can vary over the course of the day.":

Though there can be minor variations in waist circumference throughout the day due to factors like fluid retention or meals, a measurement of 43 inches is significantly above the threshold indicating central obesity. This warrants a discussion about health risks rather than focusing on daily fluctuations.

D) "You probably have a vitamin deficiency.":

Vitamin deficiencies are not directly indicated by waist circumference measurements. This statement is not appropriate given the finding, as the primary concern with a large waist circumference is its association with increased risk of chronic diseases rather than nutrient deficiencies.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is doing a focus assessment on a 25-year-old college student who presented to the clinic secondary to fever and lethargy. When recording the findings of the lymph glands, a nurse should note all except:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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