A nurse is teaching a client who has Graves' disease about recognizing the manifestations of thyroid storm. Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the teaching?
Decreased heart rate
Increased temperature
Lethargy
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is B
A) Decreased heart rate: In thyroid storm, the heart rate typically increases due to elevated levels of thyroid hormones. A decreased heart rate would not be characteristic of this condition.
B) Increased temperature: One of the hallmark signs of thyroid storm is hyperthermia or increased body temperature, often exceeding 101°F (38.3°C). This is due to the heightened metabolic state caused by excess thyroid hormones.
C) Lethargy: While lethargy can occur in other thyroid-related issues, thyroid storm is more commonly associated with hyperactivity and agitation rather than lethargy. Clients may present with restlessness and confusion.
D) Hypotension: In thyroid storm, clients often experience hypertension rather than hypotension. The increased metabolic demands can lead to elevated blood pressure due to increased cardiac output and peripheral vasodilation.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) 10: A score of 10 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) indicates a moderate level of impairment in consciousness. This score typically includes a range of responses in eye opening, verbal, and motor responses. Given the client's specific symptoms, this score does not accurately reflect their condition.
B) 13: A GCS score of 13 indicates mild impairment. This score usually requires the ability to open eyes spontaneously, follow commands, and exhibit appropriate verbal responses. Since the client is not opening their eyes and only making incomprehensible sounds, this score is not applicable.
C) 2: A score of 2 on the GCS would imply a severely compromised response, but it would be misleading since the client exhibits decerebrate posturing, which is a significant motor response indicating a level of neurological function. Thus, this score does not adequately represent the client's status.
D) 5: This is the correct score. The GCS includes a score of 1 for no eye opening, 2 for incomprehensible sounds, and 2 for decerebrate posturing. Adding these together (1 for eye opening + 2 for verbal + 2 for motor) results in a total of 5. This score reflects the severe impairment of consciousness and indicates the need for urgent medical evaluation and intervention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Administer an oral opioid for breakthrough pain: While breakthrough pain can occur, using an oral opioid in conjunction with a PCA device is generally not recommended without specific guidance from a healthcare provider. The PCA device is designed to provide continuous pain relief, and adding another opioid could increase the risk of overdose or respiratory depression.
B) Encourage family members to press the PCA button for the client: Family members should not press the PCA button for the client. PCA is meant for self-administration, allowing patients to control their pain relief within prescribed limits. Allowing others to administer the medication could lead to accidental overdosing and potential respiratory depression.
C) Monitor the client's respiratory status every 4 hr: While monitoring respiratory status is crucial, doing so every 4 hours may not be sufficient, especially right after initiating or adjusting PCA therapy. Respiratory status should be monitored more frequently (e.g., every 1 to 2 hours) in the initial phases to catch any signs of respiratory depression early.
D) Teach the client how to self-medicate using the PCA device: This is the most appropriate action. Educating the client about how to use the PCA device empowers them to manage their pain effectively. Understanding the operation, such as the lockout feature and when they can safely press the button, is vital for ensuring effective pain control while minimizing the risk of overdose.