Author Question: A patient has a free T4 level of 0.6 ng/dL and a free T3 of 220 pg/dL. The patient asks the nurse ... (Read 79 times)

asan beg · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient has a free T4 level of 0.6 ng/dL and a free T3 of 220 pg/dL. The patient asks the nurse what these laboratory values mean. How will the nurse respond?

a. These laboratory values indicate that you may have Graves' disease.
b. These results suggest you may have hyperthyroidism.
c. We will need to obtain a total T4 and a total T3 to tell for sure.
d. We will need to obtain a TSH level to better evaluate your diagnosis.

Question 2

A nurse is conducting a smoking cessation class in the community and is discussing the physiologic effects of nicotine. The nurse is correct to teach that these effects include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

a. Increased blood pressure
b. Decreased gastric acid
c. Vomiting
d. Suppression of nausea
e. Increased alertness
f. Suppression of appetite

Li Jun · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
A free T4 level of less than 0.9 ng/dL and a free T3 of less than 230 pg/dL are consistent with hypothyroidism, but measurement of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is necessary to distinguish primary hypothyroidism from secondary hypothyroidism. Total T3 and T4 levels are not as helpful as free T3 and T4 levels. These laboratory values indicate hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroid conditions such as Graves' disease.

Answer to Question 2

A, C, E, F
The physiologic effects of nicotine include increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects, vomiting, increased alertness, and suppression of appetite. Decreased gastric acid and suppression of nausea are not physiologic responses associated with nicotine use.