A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?
Exophthalmos
Weight gain
Diaphoresis
Palpitations
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Exophthalmos is typically associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease, and is not a characteristic finding in hypothyroidism.
B. Weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the slowed metabolism caused by reduced thyroid hormone levels. Clients often report unexplained weight gain despite maintaining a normal diet and activity level.
C. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where increased metabolism leads to heat intolerance and sweating.
D. Palpitations are also more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where an increased heart rate and heightened sensitivity to adrenaline are common. In hypothyroidism, bradycardia or a slowed heart rate may be observed instead.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Epoetin alfa is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells, so an increase in hematocrit levels would indicate a therapeutic effect. This is particularly important in clients with chronic renal disease, who often suffer from anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys.
B. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific measure of inflammation and is not used to monitor the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.
C. The leukocyte count measures white blood cells and is not affected by or used to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
D. The platelet count measures platelets in the blood and is not related to the therapeutic effects of epoetin alfa, which targets red blood cell production.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Discomfort at the puncture site is expected after a thoracentesis and typically managed with analgesics.
B. A decreased temperature is not a common complication of thoracentesis and might indicate other issues, but it is not immediately alarming.
C. An increased heart rate (tachycardia) could be a sign of a pneumothorax, hemorrhage, or other serious complications following thoracentesis. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. Serosanguineous drainage is expected to some extent, but it should be monitored for changes that might indicate a complication such as infection or continued bleeding.