When reviewing the laboratory values of a patient who is taking antithyroid drugs, the nurse will monitor for which adverse effect?

Decreased glucose levels

Decreased white blood cell count

increased red blood cell count

Increased platelet count

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Antithyroid drugs, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU), do not directly affect blood glucose levels. While thyroid hormones themselves influence metabolism, the primary effect of antithyroid medications is on thyroid hormone synthesis, not on glucose regulation.

B. One of the most serious adverse effects of antithyroid drugs is agranulocytosis, which manifests as a significant reduction in white blood cells (particularly neutrophils). This greatly increases the risk of infection, sometimes with minimal warning signs. Patients may present with fever, sore throat, or other early infection symptoms, which should prompt immediate discontinuation of the drug and medical evaluation. Routine monitoring of WBC counts, especially early in therapy, helps detect this rare but life-threatening complication.

C. Antithyroid medications do not increase red blood cell count. Erythropoiesis is unrelated to the mechanism of these drugs. Any changes in RBCs would likely be due to unrelated conditions, not the antithyroid therapy.

D. Platelet counts are not typically affected by antithyroid drugs. Thrombocytopenia is rare and not a standard laboratory concern for patients taking these medications.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Rest, especially lying flat, can help relieve post-dural puncture headaches (spinal headaches) by reducing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Patients are often encouraged to limit upright activity until symptoms improve.

B. Fluidshelp maintain hydration, which may support CSF volume and circulation, potentially alleviating headache symptoms.

C. A blood patchis considered the most definitive treatment for persistent or severe spinal headaches. It involves injecting the patient’s own blood into the epidural space near the puncture site to seal the leak of CSF, which provides rapid and often complete relief.

D. Caffeinecan provide temporary relief for spinal headaches. It works as a vasoconstrictorand may increase CSF production, reducing headache intensity. Caffeine can be administered orally or intravenously.

E. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be used to manage pain and discomfortassociated with spinal headaches. Opioids are generally avoided unless severe and other measures are ineffective.

A. Prevent contraction of the diaphragm B. Cause vagal slowing of the heart C. Increase the depth of unconsciousness D. Increase the required dose of inhalation anesthetics

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs)act at the neuromuscular junctionto prevent acetylcholine from stimulating muscle contraction. This leads to paralysis of skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which are critical for breathing. Because these patients cannot breathe independently, mechanical ventilation is requiredwhen NMBAs are used.

B. While some NMBAs can have minor cardiovascular effects, their primary action is muscle paralysis, not slowing of the heart via vagal stimulation. Bradycardia may occur with certain agents like succinylcholine, but this is not the general principle for all NMBAs.

C. NMBAs do not produce unconsciousness or analgesia. They are purely paralytic agents. The patient remains aware unless adequate anesthesia is also provided with inhalation or IV agents.

D. NMBAs do not increase the required dose of inhalation anesthetics. In fact, using NMBAs may allow the anesthesiologist to reduce inhalation anesthetic doses slightly, since muscle relaxation is provided pharmacologically rather than relying solely on deep anesthesia.

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When reviewing the laboratory values of a patient who is taking antithyroid drugs, the nurse will monitor for which adverse effect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is complaining of a spinal headache. She had her procedure about 6 hours ago. What interventions are appropriate for the relief of spinal headache. (Select all that apply, one, some or all)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A patient receives a neuromuscular blocking agent as an adjunct to inhalation anesthesia. When caring for this patient, it is important for the nurse to remember that neuromuscular blocking agents:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Local anesthetics suppress pain by:

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All of the following for the use of cocaine as a local anesthetic are true except: (Select all that apply, one, some, or all)

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