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Chapter 3: Problem 73

A client is admitted with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. An initial assessment of the client would reveal: A. Slow pulse rate, weight loss, diarrhea, and cardiac failure B. Weight gain, lethargy, slowed speech, and decreased respiratory rate C. Rapid pulse, constipation, and bulging eyes D. Decreased body temperature, weight loss, and increased respirations

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The symptoms associated with a client diagnosed with hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, slowed speech, and decreased respiratory rate.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important as they play a critical role in regulating different functions in the body, such as metabolism and heartbeat. Some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, slow heart rate, constipation, dry skin, and feeling cold.
02

Analyzing each option

A: Slow pulse rate, weight loss, diarrhea, and cardiac failure - This option displays slow pulse rate as a correct symptom of hypothyroidism. However, weight loss and diarrhea are not applicable symptoms for hypothyroidism; hence, this option is incorrect. B: Weight gain, lethargy, slowed speech, and decreased respiratory rate - This option displays symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and slowed speech, which are correct symptoms of hypothyroidism. Moreover, decreased respiratory rate can also be associated with hypothyroidism as it slows down the metabolism. Therefore, this option seems correct. C: Rapid pulse, constipation, and bulging eyes - This option displays symptoms like constipation, which is a correct symptom for hypothyroidism. However, rapid pulse and bulging eyes are not associated with hypothyroidism; hence, this option is incorrect. D: Decreased body temperature, weight loss, and increased respirations - This option displays a decreased body temperature, which is a correct symptom for hypothyroidism as people with this condition tend to feel cold. But weight loss and increased respiration are not correct symptoms of hypothyroidism; thus, this option is incorrect.
03

Choose the correct option

Based on our analysis and comparison, the correct option representing the symptoms associated with a client diagnosed with hypothyroidism is: B. Weight gain, lethargy, slowed speech, and decreased respiratory rate

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

NCLEX-PN Practice Questions
Preparing for the NCLEX-PN examination requires a good understanding of various medical conditions, including thyroid gland dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism. Practice questions pertaining to hypothyroidism can help crystallize your knowledge about symptom recognition and appropriate nursing interventions.

For instance, a typical NCLEX-PN question may present a scenario with a patient showing certain symptoms and ask you to identify the condition or the best nursing action to take. The key to answering these questions is having a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as unexpected weight gain, overall lethargy, slowed speech, and a decrease in respiratory rate, which suggests a slowdown in metabolic processes. Knowing these will ensure you select the most accurate answer, which in our case was option B.
Thyroid Gland Dysfunctions
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in maintaining the body's metabolism, and its dysfunction can lead to several health issues. When the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, it results in hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism may present with a multitude of symptoms, which can often be subtle and non-specific.

Key symptoms to look for include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and a slow heart rate. It's important not to confuse these symptoms with those of hyperthyroidism, which is the overproduction of thyroid hormones and often presents with weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and insomnia. Exercise improvement advice for students would be to focus on understanding the pathophysiology of thyroid dysfunctions to better predict the signs and symptoms associated with them.
Endocrine System Nursing Content
Nursing students must dig deep into endocrine system content to manage patients effectively. The endocrine system encompasses a range of glands, including the thyroid, that regulate bodily functions through the secretion of hormones.

Understanding the endocrine system is crucial for identifying hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism. As an endocrine nurse, you will need to assess patients for symptoms, administer medications such as levothyroxine, and offer dietary recommendations for thyroid health. Additionally, patient education becomes a cornerstone of management, as many aspects of thyroid gland dysfunction require lifestyle adjustments. A comprehensive grasp of the endocrine system is therefore not just about recognizing symptoms but also about holistic patient care.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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