A nurse suspects an abnormal thyroid shape during the physical ...

[AEWBW]

A nurse suspects an abnormal thyroid shape during the physical examination. The nurse offers the patient a glass of water and observes her drinking to
 
  a. Visualize an enlarged thyroid gland.
  b. Evaluate for exostosis.
  c. Test the patient's gag reflex.
  d. Visualize the uvula and soft palate.

Question 2

The patient is a 54-year-old male with a medium frame. He weighs 148 pounds and is 5 feet 8 inches tall. The nurse realizes that this patient is
 
  a. Overweight.
  b. Underweight.
  c. At his desired weight.
  d. Obese.

[aidanmbrowne]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
This technique is used to visual an abnormally large thyroid gland. Normally, the thyroid cannot be visualized. An exostosis is a bony growth between the two palates that is noted when the oral cavity is examined. The patient's gag reflex is tested by placing a tongue depressor on the posterior tongue. The uvula and soft palate are visualized by using a penlight. Both structures should rise centrally as the patient says, Ah.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
According to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Statistical Bulletin, a male of medium frame who is 5 feet 8 inches tall should weigh between 145 and 157 pounds. This patient is at his desired weight. He is not overweight, underweight, or obese.

[AEWBW]

Excellent

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TYSM