A nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is a potential severe complication of hyperthyroidism?
Profound hypocalcemia
Thyroid Storm
Diabetes Insipidus
Severe Hypotension
The Correct Answer is B
A. Profound hypocalcemia is not associated with hyperthyroidism; it is more common in hypoparathyroidism.
B. Thyroid Storm is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism, characterized by high fever, tachycardia, hypertension, and altered mental status. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious outcomes.
C. Diabetes Insipidus is unrelated to hyperthyroidism and typically occurs due to antidiuretic hormone dysfunction.
D. Severe hypotension is not a typical complication of hyperthyroidism; rather, hypertension is more likely due to increased metabolic rate and cardiac output.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Profound hypocalcemia is not associated with hyperthyroidism; it is more common in hypoparathyroidism.
B. Thyroid Storm is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism, characterized by high fever, tachycardia, hypertension, and altered mental status. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious outcomes.
C. Diabetes Insipidus is unrelated to hyperthyroidism and typically occurs due to antidiuretic hormone dysfunction.
D. Severe hypotension is not a typical complication of hyperthyroidism; rather, hypertension is more likely due to increased metabolic rate and cardiac output.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The Glasgow Coma Scale is useful for assessing consciousness levels but may not be as sensitive for changes in brainstem function in a patient already in an induced coma.
B. Assessing pupillary size and reaction provides critical information on brainstem function and can indicate changes in ICP. Changes in pupil size and reaction can signify worsening cerebral function or brain herniation.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are vital signs that can suggest increased ICP, but they are not as direct an indicator of cerebral function as pupil assessment.
D. The gag reflex is important but does not provide as direct information about cerebral function related to ICP as pupillary assessment does.