Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

KB is a 65-year-old man admitted to the hospital after a 5-day episode of "the flu" with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, chest pain, insomnia, and fatigue. KB was diagnosed with Graves' disease 6 months ago and placed on methimazole (Tapazole) 15 mg/day. His other past medical history includes heart failure and hypertension requiring antihypertensive medications; however, he says that he has not been taking these medications on a regular basis. Vital signs (VS) are 150/90, 124 irregular, 20, 100.2°F (37.9°C). Admission assessment findings are height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm), weight 132 lb (60 kg), appears anxious and restless, loud heart sounds, bounding radial pulses, 1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities, diminished breath sounds with fine crackles in the posterior bases, and hyperactive bowel sounds. KB begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife. You notice someone has punched several more holes in his belt so he could tighten it.

Which of KB's assessment findings represent manifestations of hypermetabolism related to the effect of excess circulating thyroid hormone? Select all that apply.

Weight loss.

Begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife.

Hyperactive bowel sounds.

1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities.

Heart rate 124.

Bounding radial pulses.

Anxious and restless.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,C,E,F,G

Choice A reason: Weight loss is indicative of hypermetabolism caused by excessive thyroid hormone production. The increased metabolic rate leads to higher energy consumption, resulting in unintentional weight loss even if the patient maintains or increases their food intake.
Choice B reason: Begins to cry when he tells you he recently lost his wife. Emotional responses, such as crying, can be associated with personal loss and grief but are not directly linked to hypermetabolism or excess thyroid hormone. This statement reflects the patient's emotional state rather than a physiological manifestation of hyperthyroidism.
Choice C reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are a common manifestation of hypermetabolism due to hyperthyroidism. The increased metabolic rate accelerates gastrointestinal motility, resulting in hyperactive bowel sounds and sometimes diarrhea.
Choice D reason: 1+ pitting edema noted in bilateral lower extremities is related to fluid retention and heart failure rather than hypermetabolism. Edema is not a typical manifestation of hyperthyroidism and is more indicative of cardiovascular or renal issues.
Choice E reason: A heart rate of 124 (tachycardia) is a common finding in patients with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones increase the heart rate and cardiac output, leading to symptoms such as palpitations and tachycardia.
Choice F reason: Bounding radial pulses are indicative of increased cardiac output and stroke volume, which are common in hyperthyroidism due to the hypermetabolic state induced by excess thyroid hormones. This leads to strong and forceful pulses.
Choice G reason: Anxious and restless behavior is a manifestation of the increased adrenergic activity associated with hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormones stimulate the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Administering furosemide in this scenario would further lower the serum potassium level, as furosemide is a loop diuretic known for causing potassium loss through urine. This action could worsen the patient’s hypokalemia, leading to severe complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, administering furosemide in the presence of hypokalemia is inappropriate and could put the patient at significant risk.
Choice B reason:
Administering both spironolactone and furosemide together without addressing the hypokalemia would not be safe. While spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, combining it with furosemide could negate its potassium-sparing effects. Furthermore, administering furosemide when hypokalemia is present could cause further electrolyte imbalance. Proper evaluation of the patient's condition and selective administration of the medications are crucial in this case.
Choice C reason:
Withholding both medications and attributing the decision to contraindications with hyperkalemia is incorrect because the reported potassium level (3.2 mEq/L) reflects hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Misinterpreting the lab result could delay appropriate treatment, such as correcting the potassium level or safely administering a medication that would not exacerbate the hypokalemia. Proper communication with the healthcare provider is necessary for effective patient care.
Choice D reason:
Administering spironolactone is the best action in this scenario because it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. By administering spironolactone, the risk of worsening hypokalemia is minimized. Notifying the healthcare provider about the low potassium level ensures appropriate monitoring and any necessary interventions, such as potassium supplementation. This approach is both safe and effective in managing the patient’s current condition while adhering to standard nursing practices.

A. Use quad coughing to strengthen cough efforts. B. Assist to plan a prescribed bowel program. C. Support selection of a high-protein diet. D. Discuss options for sexuality and fertility.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Quad coughing is a technique used to help patients with spinal cord injuries improve their coughing ability, but it does not directly prevent autonomic dysreflexia. While it is beneficial for respiratory health, it is not the primary intervention for preventing autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice B reason: Assisting to plan a prescribed bowel program is crucial in preventing autonomic dysreflexia. Bowel impaction is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, and a regular bowel program helps to prevent constipation and ensure regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of this complication.
Choice C reason: Supporting the selection of a high-protein diet is important for overall health and nutrition, but it does not directly prevent autonomic dysreflexia. While proper nutrition is essential for patients with spinal cord injuries, it is not the primary intervention for preventing autonomic dysreflexia.

View Question and Answer

Test	Result	Normal Range
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)	1.200 U/L	7-56 U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)	1.000 U/L	10-40 U/L
Total Bilirubin	5.5 mg/dL	0.1-1.2 mg/dL
Hepatitis A IgM	Positive	Negative

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is reported for a patient with cirrhosis who has scheduled doses of spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) due. Choose the best nursing action.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

To prevent autonomic dysreflexia, which nursing action would the home health nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who has paraplegia at the T4 level?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Elevated serum ammonia level causes which complication of cirrhosis?

Which patient statement indicates to the nurse that further instruction is needed about chronic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

Which instruction will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a patient who was admitted with a sickle cell crisis?

Which information obtained by the nurse in the clinic about a patient who has been taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?

Which laboratory test result will the nurse monitor to evaluate the effects of therapy for a patient who has acute pancreatitis?

Which group of drugs will the nurse plan to include when teaching a patient who has a new diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD)? Select all that apply: