Which of the following symptoms might indicate that the patient is now experiencing a thyrotoxic crisis following the diagnosis of Graves' disease?
Decreased respirations and CO2 retention
Seizures and extreme tachycardia
Constipation and a swollen abdomen
Hypotension and bradycardia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Decreased respirations and CO2 retention: A thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) typically involves increased, not decreased, respiratory rates and CO2 retention due to increased metabolic activity.
B. Seizures and extreme tachycardia: Thyrotoxic crisis is characterized by severe symptoms including extreme tachycardia, fever, and potentially seizures due to excessive thyroid hormone levels.
C. Constipation and a swollen abdomen: Constipation and abdominal swelling are more typical of hypothyroidism rather than a thyrotoxic crisis.
D. Hypotension and bradycardia: Thyrotoxic crisis usually causes tachycardia and hypertension rather than bradycardia and hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The patient is now sleepy and won't wake up: Increased drowsiness or difficulty waking up could indicate worsening of the hemorrhagic stroke, potentially due to increased intracranial pressure or a secondary brain injury.
B. Identification of an elevated serum cholesterol level: Elevated cholesterol is a risk factor for ischemic strokes but is not a direct indicator of complications from a hemorrhagic stroke.
C. The presence of nausea and a headache: This could be a common symptom following a hemorrhagic stroke but is not necessarily a specific indicator of a complication.
D. A complaint of neck pain and light intolerance: These symptoms are less specific to complications of a hemorrhagic stroke and could be related to other issues.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. An increased serum calcitonin level: Calcitonin is involved in lowering blood calcium levels, so increased levels would not indicate hypercalcemia but rather a compensatory mechanism to lower calcium.
B. An increased number of osteocytes: Osteocytes are bone cells, and their number is not a direct indicator of hypercalcemia. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are more relevant to bone metabolism.
C. Elevated plasma magnesium levels: Elevated magnesium levels are not specifically indicative of hypercalcemia and can be related to other conditions.
D. An increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) level: Hypercalcemia can be associated with increased PTH levels, particularly in primary hyperparathyroidism. Elevated PTH can lead to increased calcium release from bones.
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