When a client's thyroid panel shows an elevated TSH, the nurse ...

[rmenurse]

When a client's thyroid panel shows an elevated TSH, the nurse reviews the client's medication history for a current prescription for:
 
  a. Lithium
  b. Heparin
  c. Aspirin
  d. Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Question 2

A nurse is working in a community health center that is sponsoring a program that offers both digital rectal exams (DRE) and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests to all men older than age 60. A man approaches and asks, What is this all about?
 
  a. A PSA test is one of the primary screening tests for prostate cancer.
  b. The PSA test is a definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer.
  c. A PSA test is indicated when a man has other symptoms of prostate cancer.
  d. The PSA test is unreliable unless a digital rectal exam immediately precedes it.

[akudia]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
THS levels can be elevated as a result of lithium therapy while heparin and aspirin ingestion result in a depression in THS. Dilantin can depress T4 levels.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
PSA and a digital rectal examination are the two screening tests for prostate cancer. The PSA is a screening test, not a definitive way of diagnosing the condition. PSA is indicated as a screening tool, whether or not symptoms are present. It is recommended that the PSA be drawn before digital rectal examination because the examination can cause increased levels of PSA.