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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Addiction refers to a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The intricate handwashing ritual that lasts two hours or more described by the client does not indicate substance use or dependency, which are common characteristics of addiction.
Choice B rationale
Compulsion refers to repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. The client’s intricate handwashing ritual that lasts two hours or more and their concern about maintaining cleanliness align with the definition of a compulsion.
Choice C rationale
Obsession refers to recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and unwanted. While the client’s concern about maintaining cleanliness could potentially be seen as an obsession, the act of handwashing is a behavior, which aligns more with the definition of a compulsion.
Choice D rationale
Phobia refers to an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. The client’s behavior does not indicate an extreme or irrational fear but rather a compulsion to maintain cleanliness through an intricate handwashing ritual.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Moon facies, characterized by a round face, is a side effect of long-term use of prednisone. However, it is not the most important symptom for the client to report to the healthcare provider in this context.
Choice B rationale
Abdominal striae, or stretch marks on the abdomen, can also be a side effect of long-term use of prednisone. While it may be a concern for some patients due to cosmetic reasons, it is not the most critical symptom to report in this case.
Choice C rationale
Gastric irritation is a common side effect of prednisone and can lead to more serious complications such as gastric ulcers if not addressed promptly. Therefore, it is the most important symptom for the client to report to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Rapid weight gain can be a side effect of prednisone use. While it is important to monitor weight while on this medication, it is not the most critical symptom to report in comparison to gastric irritation.
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