Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic hypothyroidism. For which of the following conditions should the nurse monitor?
A. Photophobia
Photophobia is not typically associated with hypothyroidism. It can be a symptom of conditions affecting the eyes, such as certain infections or ocular disorders.
B. Exophthalmos
Exophthalmos is a protrusion of the eyeballs and is a characteristic symptom of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), not hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
C. Lethargy
Correct. Lethargy is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme tiredness, sluggishness, and lack of energy.
D. Goiter
Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland and can occur in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. However, it is not a direct symptom; it is a physical finding that can be associated with thyroid disorders.
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Full Explanation
A. Photophobia is not typically associated with hypothyroidism. It can be a symptom of conditions affecting the eyes, such as certain infections or ocular disorders.
B. Exophthalmos is a protrusion of the eyeballs and is a characteristic symptom of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), not hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
C. Correct. Lethargy is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme tiredness, sluggishness, and lack of energy.
D. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland and can occur in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. However, it is not a direct symptom; it is a physical finding that can be associated with thyroid disorders.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoparathyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Flaccid muscles
Flaccid muscles are associated with conditions like hypokalemia, not hypoparathyroidism. In hypoparathyroidism, there is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels and can result in muscle spasms and tetany, not flaccid muscles.
B. Client report of anorexia
While anorexia can occur in clients with various health conditions, it is not a specific finding associated with hypoparathyroidism.
C. Client report of numbness in his hands
Correct. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps, especially in the extremities.
D. Negative Chvostek's sign
A positive Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia, which can be caused by hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, a negative Chvostek's sign would not be an expected finding in a client with hypoparathyroidism.
Full Explanation
A. Flaccid muscles are associated with conditions like hypokalemia, not hypoparathyroidism. In hypoparathyroidism, there is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels and can result in muscle spasms and tetany, not flaccid muscles.
B. While anorexia can occur in clients with various health conditions, it is not a specific finding associated with hypoparathyroidism.
C. Correct. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to low calcium levels in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle cramps, especially in the extremities.
D. A positive Chvostek's sign is associated with hypocalcemia, which can be caused by hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, a negative Chvostek's sign would not be an expected finding in a client with hypoparathyroidism.
A patient is scheduled for surgery to remove a tumor of the anterior pituitary. Which hormone should the nurse expect to be affected by this surgery? Select all that apply.
A. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): The anterior pituitary gland secretes TSH, which regulates the thyroid gland's function. Surgery on the anterior pituitary can potentially disrupt the production and regulation of TSH.
B. Prolactin
Prolactin: The anterior pituitary gland also produces prolactin. Surgery on the anterior pituitary can affect prolactin production.
C. Oxytocin
Oxytocin: Oxytocin is produced by the posterior pituitary, not the anterior pituitary. Surgery on the anterior pituitary would not directly impact oxytocin production.
D. Gonadotropin hormones
Gonadotropin hormones: These include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are important for reproductive function. The anterior pituitary secretes these hormones, so surgery on the anterior pituitary can impact their production.
E. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH is essential for the stimulation of cortisol release from the adrenal glands. The production of ACTH is regulated by the anterior pituitary, so surgery in this area can affect ACTH levels.
Full Explanation
A. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): The anterior pituitary gland secretes TSH, which regulates the thyroid gland's function. Surgery on the anterior pituitary can potentially disrupt the production and regulation of TSH.
B. Prolactin: The anterior pituitary gland also produces prolactin. Surgery on the anterior pituitary can affect prolactin production.
C. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is produced by the posterior pituitary, not the anterior pituitary. Surgery on the anterior pituitary would not directly impact oxytocin production.
D. Gonadotropin hormones: These include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are important for reproductive function. The anterior pituitary secretes these hormones, so surgery on the anterior pituitary can impact their production.
E. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH is essential for the stimulation of cortisol release from the adrenal glands. The production of ACTH is regulated by the anterior pituitary, so surgery in this area can affect ACTH levels.
A nurse is assessing a client who has thyrotoxicosis after taking too high of a level of levothyroxine. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Drowsiness
Drowsiness is not a typical manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Instead, individuals with thyrotoxicosis often experience restlessness and anxiety due to excessive thyroid hormone levels.
B. Dry skin
Dry skin is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone levels), rather than thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone levels).
C. Bradycardia
Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. In thyrotoxicosis, tachycardia (an abnormally rapid heart rate) is a common finding.
D. Heat intolerance
Correct. Heat intolerance is a classic symptom of thyrotoxicosis. Excessive thyroid hormone levels can lead to an increased metabolic rate, making individuals more sensitive to heat.
Full Explanation
A. Drowsiness is not a typical manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Instead, individuals with thyrotoxicosis often experience restlessness and anxiety due to excessive thyroid hormone levels.
B. Dry skin is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone levels), rather than thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone levels).
C. Bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. In thyrotoxicosis, tachycardia (an abnormally rapid heart rate) is a common finding.
D. Correct. Heat intolerance is a classic symptom of thyrotoxicosis. Excessive thyroid hormone levels can lead to an increased metabolic rate, making individuals more sensitive to heat.