Author Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation who is very anxious. The nurse ... (Read 45 times)

skymedlock · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A nurse is caring for a patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation who is very anxious. The nurse reviews the recent laboratory results and plans outcome care for the client's anxiety based on which of the following?

1. TSH 18 mU/mL
2. TSH 0.25 mU/mL
3. Hgb 13.8 g/dL
4. Hgb 11.0 g/dL

Question 2

Which of the following would indicate that treatment for contact dermatitis has been effective?

1. The client has areas of excoriation on arms and anterior legs from scratching during sleep.
2. The client has reduced areas of contact dermatitis with evidence of skin healing.
3. The client is observed walking in the hallway.
4. The client is fatigued from inadequate sleep due to pruritus.

nathang24 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1. TSH 18 mU/mL

Rationale:
New-onset atrial fibrillation is a potential symptom of hyperthyroidism. The nurse can plan outcomes to relieve the client's anxiety based on this diagnosis. A TSH level above 5 mU/mL is considered high. TSH 0.25 mU/mL is indicative of hypothyroidism. Hgb 13.8 g/dL and Hgb 11.0 g/dL are both normal hemoglobin levels.

Answer to Question 2

2. The client has reduced areas of contact dermatitis with evidence of skin healing.

Rationale:
Reduced areas of contact dermatitis with evidence of skin healing indicate that treatment for contact dermatitis has been effective. If the client has excoriation from scratching, the treatment has not yet been effective. The client walking in the hallway does not necessarily indicate that treatment was effective. If the client is unable to sleep because of pruritus, treatment has not been effective.