When performing a physical assessment, palpation reveals to the clinic nurse that a client has an enlarged thyroid gland. What action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
Request diagnostic laboratory testing for the client.
Obtain a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching.
Instruct the client in the need to use iodized salt.
Schedule a follow-up appointment in one month.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing for the client is appropriate action. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can be indicative of various thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules. Diagnostic laboratory testing, such as thyroid function tests (TFTs), thyroid antibody testing, and possibly thyroid ultrasound, can help identify the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement. These tests can include assessments of thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH), antibodies, and imaging studies. Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing is essential to accurately diagnose the condition and guide appropriate management and treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is inappropriate action. While nutrition can play a role in overall thyroid health, obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Dietary consultation may be considered as part of comprehensive care for thyroid disorders, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the client in the need to use iodized salt is inappropriate action. While iodine deficiency can contribute to thyroid disorders, instructing the client to use iodized salt is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Using iodized salt may help prevent iodine deficiency, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice D Reason:
Scheduling a follow-up appointment in one month is inappropriate action. While scheduling a follow-up appointment may be necessary for ongoing monitoring and management of thyroid disorders, it is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Further evaluation and diagnostic testing should be prioritized to determine the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement and initiate appropriate treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Blood sugar levels can impact neurological function, leading to symptoms like slurred speech, but this is less likely to be the immediate cause of the expressionless affect and red conjunctivae. While important, this question may not address the most urgent concern first. client's symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
"Been sleeping well?" Poor sleep could contribute to slurred speech and an expressionless affect. Asking about sleep might help identify if sleep deprivation is contributing to the symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
Not eating could lead to hypoglycemia, which might cause slurred speech, but it is less likely to explain the red conjunctivae and expressionless affect. This question is important but might not address the immediate cause of the symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Depression could lead to an expressionless facial affect, but it is less likely to explain slurred speech and red conjunctivae. This question addresses one possible cause but doesn't cover the immediate physical symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Fluid volume excess is incorrect. Fluid volume excess refers to an overabundance of fluid in the body, leading to symptoms such as edema, weight gain, and hypertension. However, a BMI of 14 kg/m^2 indicates underweight, not fluid volume excess. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B Reason:
Unbalanced nutrition, less than body needs is correct. A BMI of less than 18.5 indicates underweight according to the provided reference range. Underweight individuals often do not consume enough nutrients to meet their body's needs, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, the nursing problem of "Unbalanced nutrition, less than body needs" is appropriate for addressing the client's low BMI.
Choice C Reason:
Unbalanced nutrition, greater than body needs is incorrect. This choice would be more applicable if the client's BMI indicated overweight or obesity, as it suggests an excess intake of nutrients relative to the body's needs. However, a BMI of 14 kg/m^2 indicates underweight, not excess weight. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D Reason:
Fluid volume deficit is incorrect. Fluid volume deficit refers to a decreased amount of fluid in the body, leading to symptoms such as dehydration, decreased urine output, and hypotension. However, a low BMI does not necessarily indicate fluid volume deficit; it primarily reflects undernutrition. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
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