While assessing a client with Graves' disease, the nurse notes that the client's temperature has risen 1° F. Which action should the nurse take first?
Turn the lights down and shut the client's door.
Call for an immediate electrocardiogram (ECG)
Administer a dose of acetaminophen
Calculate the client's apical-radial pulse deficit
The Correct Answer is A
A. Turn the lights down and shut the client's door: Increased body temperature can be an early sign of thyroid storm. Decreasing environmental stimuli (such as light and noise) helps lower stress on the body and may prevent exacerbating the symptoms.
B. Call for an immediate electrocardiogram (ECG): While thyroid storm can cause tachycardia and arrhythmias, an elevated temperature by 1° F alone does not warrant an ECG. The priority is to manage the potential triggers for the rise in temperature first.
C. Administer a dose of acetaminophen: A mild temperature increase in Graves' disease could indicate the beginning of thyroid storm, which requires more immediate interventions like cooling measures and possibly antithyroid medications.
D. Calculate the client's apical-radial pulse deficit: Monitoring for a pulse deficit could be important if the client is experiencing arrhythmias or tachycardia, but the priority is to address the rising temperature and environmental factors, as these can escalate into a thyroid storm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Use sliding scale insulin to manage hypoglycemia: Sliding scale insulin is used to manage hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. Sick day management focuses on maintaining stable blood glucose levels, not using sliding scale insulin for hypoglycemia.
B. Continue taking the scheduled insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent: During illness, it is essential for clients with diabetes to continue their medication as prescribed. This helps prevent both hyperglycemia and ketosis, which can occur due to illness-induced stress.
C. Increase intake of carbohydrates for the duration of the illness: It is not necessary to increase carbohydrate intake unless the client is unable to eat enough food. It’s more important to maintain hydration and monitor blood glucose levels, adjusting insulin doses as needed.
D. Report blood glucose lower than 100 mg/dL to the health care provider: Blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dL are generally considered within normal range. During illness, clients may experience higher blood glucose levels, which are more concerning.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Full therapeutic effect may take 1 to 3 weeks: Levothyroxine (Synthroid) typically starts to show effects within 1 to 3 weeks, but full therapeutic effects may take several weeks to months for symptoms like fatigue and depression to improve.
B. Full therapeutic effect may take up to 4 months: Levothyroxine typically shows initial improvement within 1 to 3 weeks, not 4 months. Full stabilization can take a few months, but this is too long for initial effects.
C. Diarrhea as an early side effect diminishes with time: Levothyroxine does not typically cause diarrhea. Constipation is more common in hypothyroidism, and any gastrointestinal issues should be reported to the provider.
D. Weight gain or edema formation is greatest in the first month: Levothyroxine helps reverse weight gain and edema caused by hypothyroidism. Weight gain is not a side effect of the medication.
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