The clinic nurse is reviewing the client's symptoms which include hair loss, feeling tired, always being very cold, and having constipation. Which of the following complications may arise if the patient does not receive treatment?
Myxedema
Hypocalcemia
Pericarditis
Thyroid crisis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Untreated hypothyroidism progresses to myxedema, a severe state with slowed metabolism causing fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and hair loss from low thyroid hormone.
Choice B reason: Hypocalcemia results from hypoparathyroidism, not hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism, not calcium regulation directly, so it’s unrelated to these symptoms.
Choice C reason: Pericarditis may occur in severe hypothyroidism late, but it’s not the primary complication; myxedema encompasses the broader metabolic decline seen here.
Choice D reason: Thyroid crisis (storm) is a hyperthyroid emergency with fever and tachycardia, opposite to hypothyroidism’s slow symptoms like coldness and fatigue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: 1 tablet (50 mcg) provides half the 100 mcg dose, insufficient for hypothyroidism treatment, underdosing the required thyroid hormone replacement level.
Choice B reason: 2 tablets (50 mcg each) equal 100 mcg, matching the prescribed dose, ensuring adequate T4 replacement for hypothyroidism’s metabolic needs daily.
Choice C reason: 3 tablets (150 mcg) exceed the 100 mcg dose, risking hyperthyroidism symptoms like tachycardia or nervousness from excessive thyroid hormone administration.
Choice D reason: 4 tablets (200 mcg) grossly overdose the 100 mcg requirement, potentially causing severe thyrotoxicosis, disrupting metabolism and cardiac function dangerously.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism due to low thyroid hormone, reducing calorie burning and causing weight gain from fat accumulation and fluid retention in tissues.
Choice B reason: Diaphoresis (sweating) occurs in hyperthyroidism from excess metabolism raising body heat. Hypothyroidism causes dry skin and cold intolerance, not sweating.
Choice C reason: Exophthalmos, bulging eyes, results from Graves’ disease in hyperthyroidism due to orbital inflammation. Hypothyroidism doesn’t affect eye protrusion, making this unlikely.
Choice D reason: Palpitations stem from hyperthyroidism’s increased heart rate via excess thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism slows heart rate, leading to bradycardia, not palpitations.
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