An older patient who is seen in the clinic has a palpable thyroid ...

[newbem]

An older patient who is seen in the clinic has a palpable thyroid gland. What should the nurse realize this finding indicates?
 
  1. normal finding in the older patient
  2. onset of hypertension
  3. onset of diabetes mellitus
  4. explanation for a reduced urine output

Question 2

A patient being treated with medication for a seizure disorder is scheduled for a serum T3 and T4 level. What results should the nurse expect for these levels?
 
  1. falsely reduced
  2. falsely elevated
  3. normal
  4. indicative of pending parathyroid hormone disease

[olivia_paige29]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Older patients' thyroid glands can be more fibrotic and nodular as a normal finding. Without other assessments or supporting data, a palpable thyroid gland does not explain the onset of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or reduction in urine output.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
The value of T3 and T4 blood levels might be decreased by certain medications including phenytoin (Dilantin), which is a medication commonly prescribed for seizure disorders. The levels will not be normal or increased. Measurement of T3 and T4 levels is not indicative of parathyroid disease.