The nurse is caring for a patient with Addison's disease in the emergency department.
The patient states that they were out in the sun gardening all day and is now lethargic, forgetful, and has a temperature of 101.5°F. What intervention will the nurse prioritize when caring for this patient?
Administer intravenous fluids with glucose.
Administer 1000 mg of acetaminophen orally.
Educate the patient about ordered hydrocortisone.
Explore options to minimize stress.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Administering intravenous fluids with glucose is essential for a patient with Addison's disease who has been exposed to stressors like prolonged sun exposure. Patients with Addison's disease may experience an adrenal crisis, characterized by low blood pressure, dehydration, and hypoglycemia. Intravenous fluids with glucose help to rehydrate the patient and restore blood sugar levels, which are critical in preventing shock and other severe complications.
Choice B rationale
Administering 1000 mg of acetaminophen orally is not the priority intervention for this patient. While it may help reduce fever, it does not address the underlying issues of Addison's disease, such as hypoglycemia and dehydration, which are more urgent. The primary concern should be stabilizing the patient's vital signs and electrolyte balance.
Choice C rationale
Educating the patient about ordered hydrocortisone is important for long-term management of Addison's disease, but it is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation. The patient requires prompt medical intervention to address the acute symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as lethargy and hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Exploring options to minimize stress is relevant for managing Addison's disease in general, as stress can trigger an adrenal crisis. However, in the emergency department, the nurse's priority should be to stabilize the patient and manage acute symptoms. Stress management can be addressed once the patient's condition is stabilized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy for prostate cancer. It involves a low neutrophil count, making patients more susceptible to infections.
Choice B rationale
Alopecia, or hair loss, is a frequent side effect of chemotherapy due to the treatment attacking rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles.
Choice C rationale
Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots, is not a typical side effect of chemotherapy for prostate cancer. While cancer itself may increase clotting risk, chemotherapy is not directly linked to thrombosis.
Choice D rationale
Lymphadenopathy, the enlargement of lymph nodes, is not a common toxicity of chemotherapy. It may occur in cancer progression or other infections but not directly due to chemotherapy.
Choice E rationale
Infertility can result from chemotherapy as it can harm reproductive cells. Patients may need to discuss fertility preservation methods before starting treatment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Estrogen replacement therapy can have various effects on the body but does not significantly impact thyroid diagnostic tests. This information is still relevant for the patient's overall medical care but not directly related to thyroid testing results.
Choice B rationale
Lactose sensitivity is important for dietary considerations but does not affect thyroid diagnostic tests. Documenting dietary restrictions is important for patient care but does not impact the specific diagnostic tests for thyroid function.
Choice C rationale
Anti-seizure medications can affect thyroid function tests, particularly those that affect the metabolism of thyroid hormones. However, the consumption of iodine-rich foods like kelp or seaweed has a more direct and significant impact on thyroid function and diagnostic testing.
Choice D rationale
Frequent consumption of kelp or seaweed, which are high in iodine, can influence thyroid function tests by altering thyroid hormone levels. This dietary habit should be documented and communicated to ensure accurate interpretation of thyroid function test results. .
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