The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the unit for possible hyperthyroidism. The client describes weakness, nervousness, a racing heartbeat, and recent weight loss of 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Which action should the nurse implement first?

Pace the client's care to provide periods of rest.

Make arrangements for radioactive iodine therapy.

Administer beta-adrenergic blocking agent.

Monitor the client's vital signs frequently.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Pacing the client's care to provide periods of rest is important for managing fatigue and preventing overexertion. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in this situation. Monitoring vital signs is crucial to assess the client's current condition and detect any immediate complications.

Choice B reason: Making arrangements for radioactive iodine therapy is a treatment option for hyperthyroidism. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to assess the client's condition and stabilize any immediate issues before considering long-term treatment options.

Choice C reason: Administering a beta-adrenergic blocking agent can help manage symptoms such as a racing heartbeat and nervousness. While this may be part of the treatment plan, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Monitoring vital signs is essential to determine the appropriate interventions.

Choice D reason: Monitoring the client's vital signs frequently is the first action the nurse should take. This helps assess the client's current condition, detect any immediate complications, and guide further interventions. It is crucial to ensure the client's stability before implementing other care measures.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Assessing peripheral pulses is important for understanding the client's overall circulatory status, but it is not the most urgent assessment in this situation. The client's symptoms suggest a possible thyrotoxic crisis, which requires immediate evaluation of critical vital signs.

Choice B reason: Obtaining vital signs is the most important initial assessment. The client's report of anxiety, heart racing, and pounding could indicate a severe exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, potentially leading to a thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm). Vital signs will provide essential information on the client's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and overall stability, which are crucial for immediate management.

Choice C reason: The presence of a goitre can indicates thyroid gland enlargement, which is relevant for long-term management of hyperthyroidism. However, it does not provide immediate information on the client's current acute condition.

Choice D reason: Assessing emotional status is important for comprehensive care, but it is not the priority in this acute scenario. The client's physiological status needs to be stabilized first, as indicated by their vital signs, before focusing on their emotional state.

A. Withhold further opioid analgesics. B. Obtain a prescription for a laxative. C. Document the assessment finding. D. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Withholding further opioid analgesics might be considered if the lack of bowel sounds is due to opioid-induced ileus. However, this is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The nurse should first document the finding and continue to assess the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a prescription for a laxative might be appropriate if the client is experiencing constipation. However, administering a laxative without further assessment and documentation of the bowel sounds could lead to complications. The nurse should document the finding first and then collaborate with the healthcare provider for further interventions.

Choice C reason: Documenting the assessment finding is the most appropriate initial action. This ensures that the lack of bowel sounds is recorded in the client's medical record, which is crucial for ongoing monitoring and communication with the healthcare team. Proper documentation also helps in tracking changes in the client's condition and making informed decisions about subsequent care.

Choice D reason: Preparing to insert a nasogastric tube might be necessary if the client develops symptoms of bowel obstruction or other complications. However, this action should follow the documentation and further assessment of the client's condition. The nurse should document the finding first to provide a basis for any further interventions.

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The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the unit for possible hyperthyroidism. The client describes weakness, nervousness, a racing heartbeat, and recent weight loss of 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Which action should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with hyperthyroidism tells the home health nurse, "I stopped taking my antithyroid medication and now I feel anxious. I can feel my heart racing and pounding." Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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