What assessment findings support an older patient's diagnosis of ...

[KWilfred]

What assessment findings support an older patient's diagnosis of hypothyroidism?
 
  a. A 2-cm wound noted on medial aspect of left foot
  b. An apical rate: 98/min
  c. A patient report that I always wear a sweater
  d. A weight loss of 10 pounds over 6 weeks

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient taking furosemide (Lasix). What assessment finding needs to be reported to the provider immediately?
 
  a. Weight gain of 1/2 pound (1.1 kg) in 24 hours
  b. 2+/4+ pedal and pretibial edema
  c. Potassium level: 2.6 mEq/L
  d. Sodium level: 138 mEq/L

[Ahernandez18]

Answer to Question 1

C
Older patients are seen with complaints of fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, muscle cramps, paresthesias, and confusion. The other assessments are not related.

Answer to Question 2

C
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic and the patient's potassium is low. This finding should be reported. The weight gain should be charted but does not need immediate reporting. Without knowing what the patient's baseline edema is, there is no indication this needs to be re-ported. The sodium level is normal