Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?
A. Palpitations
Incorrect. Palpitations, which are rapid or irregular heartbeats, are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where there is an excess of thyroid hormones.
B. Diaphoresis
Incorrect. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not typically associated with hypothyroidism.
C. Exophthalmos
C. Incorrect. Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is a characteristic finding in hyperthyroidism (specifically Graves' disease) and is not typically seen in hypothyroidism.
D. Weight gain
Correct. Weight gain is a common finding in hypothyroidism. The slowing down of metabolic processes due to insufficient thyroid hormones can lead to an increase in body weight.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN ATI Medsurg Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Palpitations, which are rapid or irregular heartbeats, are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where there is an excess of thyroid hormones.
B. Incorrect. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not typically associated with hypothyroidism.
C. Incorrect. Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is a characteristic finding in hyperthyroidism (specifically Graves' disease) and is not typically seen in hypothyroidism.
D. Correct. Weight gain is a common finding in hypothyroidism. The slowing down of metabolic processes due to insufficient thyroid hormones can lead to an increase in body weight.
Similar Questions
The nurse is assessing an older patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What age-related endocrine change should the nurse expect in this patient?
A. More rapid insulin release
Incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in insulin production and a reduction in the speed of insulin release, not an increase.
B. intolerance of fatty foods
Incorrect. Intolerance of fatty foods is not typically an age-related endocrine change. It may be related to other factors such as digestive issues.
C. Decreased sensitivity to insulin
Correct. Decreased sensitivity to insulin is a common age-related endocrine change, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
D. Lower and prolonged blood glucose levels
Incorrect. Lower and prolonged blood glucose levels are not an expected age-related endocrine change. Instead, insulin resistance tends to result in elevated blood glucose levels.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in insulin production and a reduction in the speed of insulin release, not an increase.
B. Incorrect. Intolerance of fatty foods is not typically an age-related endocrine change. It may be related to other factors such as digestive issues.
C. Correct. Decreased sensitivity to insulin is a common age-related endocrine change, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
D. Incorrect. Lower and prolonged blood glucose levels are not an expected age-related endocrine change. Instead, insulin resistance tends to result in elevated blood glucose levels.
When preparing to provide morning medications, the nurse would give levothyroxine (Synthroid) ordered daily in which of the following ways?
A. In the morning with breakfast
Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine with breakfast may reduce its absorption due to food interference.
B. in the morning on an empty stomach with other daily meds
Correct. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before any other medications or food, to ensure optimal absorption.
C. in the evening with a snack
Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the evening with a snack is not recommended. It should be taken on an empty stomach for best results.
D. In the morning before breakfast and without any other medications
Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast is advised, but it should also be on an empty stomach. Additionally, there's no need to avoid other medications if they do not interfere with its absorption.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine with breakfast may reduce its absorption due to food interference.
B. Correct. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before any other medications or food, to ensure optimal absorption.
C. Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the evening with a snack is not recommended. It should be taken on an empty stomach for best results.
D. Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast is advised, but it should also be done on an empty stomach. Additionally, there's no need to avoid other medications if they do not interfere with its absorption.
A client is being discharged after having a thyroidectomy. Which discharge instructions are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.
A. Take thyroid replacement medication, as ordered.
Take thyroid replacement medication, as ordered. This is crucial for individuals who have undergone a thyroidectomy, as they will likely need thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal thyroid function.
B. Watch for changes in body functioning, such as lethargy, restlessness, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin Report them to the physician,
Watch for changes in body functioning, such as lethargy, restlessness, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin. Report them to the physician.These symptoms could indicate potential issues with thyroid hormone levels and should be reported to the physician for further evaluation.
C. Recognize the signs of dehydration
Recognize the signs of dehydration. This is important for overall health and can be especially relevant post-surgery. Dehydration can exacerbate other issues and slow down the healing process.
D. Carry injectable dexamethasone at all times.
Carry injectable dexamethasone at all times. This is not a standard discharge instruction after a thyroidectomy. Dexamethasone may be prescribed for specific situations, but it is not a routine medication for all patients post-thyroidectomy.
E. Report any signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia
Report any signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. This is important because thyroidectomy can affect blood sugar levels. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia is crucial for the client's well-being.
Full Explanation
A. Take thyroid replacement medication, as ordered. This is crucial for individuals who have undergone a thyroidectomy, as they will likely need thyroid hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal thyroid function.
B. Watch for changes in body functioning, such as lethargy, restlessness, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin. Report them to the physician.
These symptoms could indicate potential issues with thyroid hormone levels and should be reported to the physician for further evaluation.
C. Recognize the signs of dehydration. This is important for overall health and can be especially relevant post-surgery. Dehydration can exacerbate other issues and slow down the healing process.
D. Carry injectable dexamethasone at all times. This is not a standard discharge instruction after a thyroidectomy. Dexamethasone may be prescribed for specific situations, but it is not a routine medication for all patients post-thyroidectomy.
E. Report any signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. This is important because thyroidectomy can affect blood sugar levels. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia is crucial for the client's well-being.