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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hemothorax is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where blood accumulates in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Hemothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause tracheal deviation, which is a sign of increased pressure in the chest.
Choice B reason: Absorption atelectasis is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs, collapse due to lack of oxygen. Absorption atelectasis can cause reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a life-threatening emergency.
Choice C reason: Tension pneumothorax is the correct explanation because it is a condition where air leaks into the pleural space and creates a one-way valve that prevents the air from escaping. This causes the pressure in the chest to increase, which compresses the lung, the heart, and the great vessels. Tension pneumothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, absent breath sounds, and tracheal deviation, which are signs of a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Choice D reason: Hypovolemic shock is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the body loses a large amount of blood or fluid, which reduces the blood volume and the blood pressure. Hypovolemic shock can cause low blood pressure and rapid breathing, but it does not cause absent breath sounds or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a chest injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes is not the expected finding because it is a sign of alkalosis, not acidosis. Alkalosis is a condition where the blood has a high pH, which means that it is too basic or alkaline. Alkalosis can cause numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes due to hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood, or hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Both conditions can affect the nerve and muscle function, causing paresthesia, which is an abnormal sensation of the skin.
Choice B reason: A diffuse headache described as "throbbing" is the expected finding because it is a sign of acidosis, which is a condition where the blood has a low pH, which means that it is too acidic. Acidosis can cause a diffuse headache described as "throbbing" due to vasodilation, which is the widening of the blood vessels, especially in the brain. Vasodilation can increase the blood flow and the pressure in the head, causing pain and discomfort.
Choice C reason: Flushed skin that is warm to the touch is not the expected finding because it is a sign of fever, not salicylate toxicity. Fever is a condition where the body temperature is higher than normal, usually due to an infection or inflammation. Fever can cause flushed skin that is warm to the touch due to increased blood flow to the skin, which helps to dissipate the excess heat.
Choice D reason: Decreased muscle strength and deep tendon reflexes is not the expected finding because it is a sign of neuromuscular blockade, not salicylate toxicity. Neuromuscular blockade is a condition where the communication between the nerves and the muscles is impaired, causing paralysis or weakness. Neuromuscular blockade can be caused by various factors, such as medications, toxins, or diseases, that interfere with the transmission of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that stimulates the muscle contraction.
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