A nurse is assessing a client who has hyperthyroidism. The nurse should expect the client to report which of the following manifestations?
Constipation
Sensitivity to cold
Weight gain of 4.5 kg (10 lbs) in 3 weeks
Frequent mood changes
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Constipation is not typically associated with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism usually speeds up the body’s metabolism, leading to symptoms like increased bowel movements or diarrhea rather than constipation.
Choice B Reason:
Sensitivity to cold is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where the body’s metabolism slows down. In hyperthyroidism, patients often experience heat intolerance due to an increased metabolic rate.
Choice C Reason:
Weight gain of 4.5 kg (10 lbs) in 3 weeks is also more indicative of hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism generally causes weight loss despite an increased appetite because of the accelerated metabolism.
Choice D Reason:
Frequent mood changes are a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. The excess thyroid hormones can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bradycardia:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus primarily affects the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance, leading to excessive urination and thirst. Bradycardia is more commonly related to conditions affecting the heart or the autonomic nervous system.
Choice B reason: Hyperglycemia:
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, not diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine, leading to large volumes of dilute urine and increased thirst3. Hyperglycemia is not a symptom of diabetes insipidus.
Choice C reason: Dehydration:
Dehydration is a common and significant finding in diabetes insipidus. Due to the excessive loss of water through urine, individuals with diabetes insipidus often experience severe thirst and dehydration if they do not consume enough fluids to compensate for the loss. This is a key symptom that helps differentiate diabetes insipidus from other conditions.
Choice D reason: Polyphagia:
Polyphagia, or excessive hunger, is typically associated with diabetes mellitus, particularly when blood sugar levels are high and the body’s cells are not receiving adequate glucose. In diabetes insipidus, the primary symptoms are related to fluid imbalance, such as excessive urination (polyuria) and thirst (polydipsia), rather than hunger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Purple striations:
Purple striations, or stretch marks, are more commonly associated with Cushing’s syndrome, which involves excess cortisol production. Addison’s disease, on the other hand, is characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production.
Choice B reason: Hirsutism:
Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth in women in areas where hair is normally minimal or absent. It is not typically associated with Addison’s disease. Hirsutism is more commonly linked to conditions involving excess androgens, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Choice C reason: Hyperpigmentation:
Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, is a hallmark symptom of Addison’s disease. This occurs due to increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) as a byproduct of elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. The skin changes are often most noticeable in areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows, knees, and knuckles.
Choice D reason: Intention tremors:
Intention tremors, which occur during purposeful movement, are not typically associated with Addison’s disease. These tremors are more commonly seen in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebellar disorders.
