A nurse cares for a client who has hypothyroidism as a result of ...

[theo]

A nurse cares for a client who has hypothyroidism as a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The client asks, How long will I need to take this thyroid medication? How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. You will need to take the thyroid medication until the goiter is completely gone.
  b. Thyroiditis is cured with antibiotics. Then you won't need thyroid medication.
  c. You'll need thyroid pills for life because your thyroid won't start working again.
  d. When blood tests indicate normal thyroid function, you can stop the medication.

Question 2

A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a subtotal thyroidectomy. On the second postoperative day the client states, I feel numbness and tingling around my mouth. What action should the nurse take?
 
  a. Offer mouth care.
  b. Loosen the dressing.
  c. Assess for Chvostek's sign.
  d. Ask the client orientation questions.

[janeli1]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Hashimoto's thyroiditis results in a permanent loss of thyroid function. The client will need lifelong thyroid replacement therapy. The client will not be able to stop taking the medication.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Numbness and tingling around the mouth or in the fingers and toes are manifestations of hypocalcemia, which could progress to cause tetany and seizure activity. The nurse should assess the client further by testing for Chvostek's sign and Trousseau's sign. Then the nurse should notify the provider. Mouth care, loosening the dressing, and orientation questions do not provide important information to prevent complications of low calcium levels.