The nurse expects to observe which finding during the assessment of a client diagnosed with myxedema?
Facial muscle atrophy
Facial and periorbital edema
Facial muscle twitching
Unilateral ptosis
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Facial muscle atrophy is not the expected finding because it is a condition where the facial muscles lose their mass and strength, which can be caused by various factors, such as aging, nerve damage, or muscular dystrophy. Facial muscle atrophy is not a common manifestation of myxedema, which is a severe form of hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and growth of the body.
Choice B reason: Facial and periorbital edema is the expected finding because it is a characteristic manifestation of myxedema, which is caused by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that are normally found in the connective tissues. Mucopolysaccharides can attract water and cause swelling of the tissues, especially in the face and around the eyes. Facial and periorbital edema can also cause the facial features to appear coarse and puffy, and the eyelids to droop.
Choice C reason: Facial muscle twitching is not the expected finding because it is a condition where the facial muscles contract involuntarily, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, fatigue, or caffeine. Facial muscle twitching is not a common manifestation of myxedema, which can cause the facial muscles to become weak and slow, and the facial expressions to become dull and flat.
Choice D reason: Unilateral ptosis is not the expected finding because it is a condition where one eyelid droops lower than the other, which can be caused by various factors, such as nerve damage, stroke, or tumor. Unilateral ptosis is not a common manifestation of myxedema, which can cause bilateral ptosis, which is the drooping of both eyelids, due to the edema and weakness of the eyelid muscles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The thyroid gland is cancerous is not a correct description of a goiter. A goiter is a non-specific term that refers to any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may have various causes and may or may not be associated with thyroid cancer.
Choice B reason: The client has a low serum calcium level is not a correct description of a goiter. A low serum calcium level is a sign of hypoparathyroidism, which is a condition that affects the parathyroid glands, not the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid gland and regulate the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.
Choice C reason: The thyroid gland has been surgically removed is not a correct description of a goiter. A goiter is a condition that involves the presence of an enlarged thyroid gland, not the absence of it. A surgical removal of the thyroid gland is called a thyroidectomy, which may be done for various reasons such as thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, or large goiters.
Choice D reason: The thyroid gland is enlarged is the best description of a goiter. A goiter is a condition that involves the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be due to iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, inflammation, infection, benign nodules, or thyroid hormone imbalance. A goiter may cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking, hoarseness, cough, or neck discomfort.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Muscle weakness and motor seizures are not the most serious complication because they are signs of electrolyte imbalance, not urinary tract infection. Electrolyte imbalance is a condition where the levels of minerals and salts in the blood are too high or too low, which can affect the nerve and muscle function, causing symptoms such as weakness, spasms, or seizures. Electrolyte imbalance can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, kidney failure, or medications.
Choice B reason: Upper abdominal pain and cramping are not the most serious complication because they are signs of gastritis, not urinary tract infection. Gastritis is a condition where the lining of the stomach is inflamed, causing symptoms such as pain, nausea, or vomiting. Gastritis can be caused by various factors, such as infections, stress, or medications.
Choice C reason: Confusion and agitation are the most serious complication because they are signs of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and organ damage. Sepsis can be caused by various types of infections, including urinary tract infection, which is an infection that affects the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Sepsis can cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, fever, chills, or shock.
Choice D reason: Periorbital edema and cardiac dysrhythmias are not the most serious complication because they are signs of heart failure, not urinary tract infection. Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, causing symptoms such as swelling, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. Heart failure can be caused by various factors, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or diabetes.
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