Author Question: A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which ... (Read 78 times)

nautica902 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which assessment finding should alert the nurse that the medication therapy is effective?

a. Thirst is recognized and fluid intake is appropriate.
b. Weight has been the same for 3 weeks.
c. Total white blood cell count is 6000 cells/mm3.
d. Heart rate is 70 beats/min and regular.

Question 2

A nurse assesses clients for potential endocrine disorders. Which client is at greatest risk for hyperparathyroidism?

a. A 29-year-old female with pregnancy-induced hypertension
b. A 41-year-old male receiving dialysis for end-stage kidney disease
c. A 66-year-old female with moderate heart failure
d. A 72-year-old male who is prescribed home oxygen therapy

Animal_Goddess · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Hypothyroidism decreases body functioning and can result in effects such as bradycardia, confusion, and constipation. If a client's heart rate is bradycardic while on thyroid hormone replacement, this is an indicator that the replacement may not be adequate. Conversely, a heart rate above 100 beats/min may indicate that the client is receiving too much of the thyroid hormone. Thirst, fluid intake, weight, and white blood cell count do not represent a therapeutic response to this medication.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Clients who have chronic kidney disease do not completely activate vitamin D and poorly absorb calcium from the GI tract. They are chronically hypocalcemic, and this triggers overstimulation of the parathyroid glands. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, moderate heart failure, and home oxygen therapy do not place a client at higher risk for hyperparathyroidism .