The nurse is assessing a client for goiter and is unable to observe the thyroid gland. Which action should the nurse take?

Ask the client to swallow while palpating along the sides of the trachea.

Palpate deeply and firmly over the location of the thyroid gland.

Document that thyroid gland size is normal with no visible goiter.

Defer the thyroid exam and observe the client for signs of myxedema.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Asking the client to swallow while palpating along the sides of the trachea helps in assessing the thyroid gland's size and mobility. The thyroid gland is located just below the larynx, and during swallowing, it moves upward, which can make it easier to palpate and identify any enlargement or nodules.
B.   Palpating deeply and firmly might not be necessary and could be uncomfortable for the client. Gentle palpation is usually adequate for assessing the thyroid gland. Excessive force is not recommended as it may not yield additional information and could cause discomfort.
C.   If the thyroid gland is not visible, documenting that it is normal without further assessment may not be accurate. The gland could be enlarged (goiter) or have other abnormalities that are not apparent on visual inspection alone. Accurate documentation should include findings from palpation and other assessment techniques.
D.   Deferring the thyroid exam and focusing on signs of myxedema is not ideal in this situation. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can have various signs, but the immediate need is to assess the thyroid gland directly for goiter or other abnormalities. It is essential to perform a thorough examination and not rely solely on observation of symptoms that might appear later.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This term suggests a problem with blood flow, which could potentially cause symptoms such as numbness or tingling. However, it does not specifically address the sensation of burning. Using this term might lead to an incorrect or incomplete assessment of the client's condition.
B. Paresthesia is a term used to describe abnormal sensations in the skin, such as burning, tingling, or prickling. The client's report of a burning sensation in the hands and legs aligns well with the definition of paresthesia. Documenting it as "paresthesia reported" accurately reflects the nature of the symptoms and is a medically precise way to describe the abnormal sensory experience.
C. This documentation uses colloquial language ("on fire") to describe the client's symptoms. While it conveys the intensity of the sensation, it is not a standardized medical term and may not be as clear or useful for clinical documentation.
D. Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, which often involves redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The term "inflammation" does not specifically describe the sensation of burning reported by the client.

A. Absent or sluggish response consistent with a lower motor neuron lesion. B. Flaccid paralysis. C. Hyperactive response consistent with an upper motor neuron disorder. D. A normal reflex

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. An absent or sluggish deep tendon reflex typically indicates a lower motor neuron lesion, which affects the peripheral nerves or spinal cord segments involved in reflex arc processing. Lower motor neuron lesions often result in reduced or absent reflexes, not brisk responses.
B. Flaccid paralysis is characterized by a lack of muscle tone and reflexes, which is usually associated with lower motor neuron damage. A brisk 4+ reflex response does not indicate flaccid paralysis but rather heightened reflex activity.
C. A brisk 4+ response indicates hyperactivity of the deep tendon reflexes, which is consistent with an upper motor neuron disorder. Upper motor neuron lesions, such as those resulting from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), often lead to increased reflex responses due to disruption in the normal inhibitory signals from the brain.
D. A normal reflex response is typically classified as 2+ on a scale of 0 to 4, where 2+ is considered average or expected. A 4+ response indicates hyperactivity, which is not normal but rather indicates increased reflexes, usually associated with upper motor neuron issues.

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The nurse is assessing a client for goiter and is unable to observe the thyroid gland. Which action should the nurse take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A male client reports the onset of a burning sensation in his hands and legs. How should the nurse document this finding in the electronic medical record (EMR)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A 75-year-old client with a recent history of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) presents with right hemiparesis. The nurse tests the deep tendon reflexes on the right side and elicits a brisk 4+ response. Which interpretation of this finding is accurate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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