The nurse is collecting a heel-stick blood specimen for a neonatal screen, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, prior to discharging a 2-day-old patient.
When the parents ask why these tests are being conducted, which explanation should the nurse provide?
This is a routine blood test required by law to screen for metabolic deficiencies.
Dosages for thyroid replacement therapy will be determined by this test.
This technique is used for early detection of intellectual disabilities.
These laboratory values will provide data to anticipate delays in growth and development.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The neonatal screening test, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, is a routine blood test required by law to screen for metabolic deficiencies. This test helps diagnose thyroid conditions. T4 is a thyroid hormone, and too much or too little of it can indicate an issue with the thyroid. TSH is a hormone your pituitary gland makes. It stimulates your thyroid to produce T4 and T3 (triiodothyronine) hormones. A TSH test is the best way to initially assess thyroid function. In fact, T4 tests more accurately reflect thyroid function when combined with a TSH test. Measuring T4 levels might not be necessary in all thyroid conditions. Other names for a T4 test include: Free thyroxine, Total T4 concentration, Thyroxine screen, Free T4 concentration, Free T4 index (FTI)1.
Choice B rationale
While the T4 and TSH tests can help diagnose thyroid conditions, they are not specifically used to determine dosages for thyroid replacement therapy. The dosage of thyroid replacement therapy is usually determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s medical condition, weight, age, laboratory test results, and response to treatment.
Choice C rationale
The neonatal screening test is not specifically used for the early detection of intellectual disabilities. However, it is important to note that untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disabilities. Therefore, early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism generally result in normal growth and development.
Choice D rationale
While these laboratory values can provide data about the thyroid function of the newborn, they do not directly provide data to anticipate delays in growth and development. However, untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to growth and developmental delays. Therefore, early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism generally result in normal growth and development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A chest x-ray is a critical diagnostic tool for a patient presenting with flu-like symptoms, fever, chest congestion, and increased breathing difficulties. It can help identify conditions such as pneumonia or other lung diseases, which could be causing the patient’s symptoms.
Choice B rationale
While hydration is important, running a 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion at 150 mL/hour is not the most immediate need for this patient. The patient’s symptoms are primarily respiratory, and there is no indication of dehydration.
Choice C rationale
A sputum culture could be useful for diagnosing bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. However, it is not the most immediate need for this patient, as the results of a culture test can take time to come back.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Given the patient’s increased breathing difficulties, starting oxygen therapy can help improve the patient’s oxygen levels and ease their breathing.
Choice E rationale
Starting a peripheral IV might be necessary for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the most immediate need in this scenario.
Choice F rationale
While controlling the patient’s fever is important, it is not as immediate a need as performing a chest x-ray and starting oxygen therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While pallor can indicate various health issues such as anemia or low blood flow, it is not the most crucial finding when planning to provide a complete bed bath to a bedfast client.
Choice B rationale
Right-sided paralysis could affect the client’s ability to assist with the bath and could require special care or positioning. However, it is not the most crucial finding in this context.
Choice C rationale
2+ pitting edema of the feet could indicate fluid overload or poor circulation, but it is not the most crucial finding when planning to provide a complete bed bath.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing while lying flat, is the most crucial finding in this context. If a client has orthopnea, they may need to be positioned in a way that allows them to breathe comfortably during the bath.
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