NCLEX Thermoregulation Questions

A client with an endocrine disorder complains of weight loss and diarrhea, and says that he can "feel his heart beating in his chest." The nurse interprets that which gland is most likely responsible for these symptoms? 1. Thyroid 2. Pituitary 3. Parathyroid 4. Adrenal cortex

1

During physical examination of a client, which finding is characteristic of hypothyroidism? 1. Periorbital edema 2. Flushed warm skin 3. Hyperactive bowel sounds 4. Heart rate of 120 beats/min

1

The nurse is assessing a client who has a diagnosis of goiter. Which should the nurse expect to note during the assessment of the client? 1. An enlarged thyroid gland 2. The presence of heart damage 3. Client complaints of chronic fatigue 4. Client complaints of slow wound healing

1

The nurse is developing a plan of care for an older client that addresses interventions to prevent cold discomfort and the development of accidental hypothermia. The nurse should document which desired outcome in the plan of care? 1. The client's body temperature is 98° F. 2. The client's fingers and toes are cool to touch. 3. The client remains in a fetal position when in bed. 4. The client complains of coolness in the hands and feet only.

1

The nurse is monitoring a client with Graves' disease for signs of thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm). Which signs or symptoms, if noted in the client, will alert the nurse to the presence of this crisis? 1. Fever and tachycardia 2. Pallor and tachycardia 3. Agitation and bradycardia 4. Restlessness and bradycardia

1

The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a diagnosis of myxedema (hypothyroidism). Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to note in this client? 1. Dry skin 2. Thin, silky hair 3. Bulging eyeballs 4. Fine muscle tremors

1

Which are modes of heat loss in the newborn? Select all that apply. 1. Radiation 2. Urination 3. Convection 4. Conduction 5. Evaporation

1, 3, 4, 5

A client treated for an episode of hyperthermia is being discharged to home. The nurse determines that the client needs clarification of discharge instructions if the client states a need to perform which action? 1. Increase fluid intake. 2. Resume full activity level. 3. Stay in a cool environment when possible. 4. Monitor voiding for adequacy of urine output.

2

A client visits the health care provider's office for a routine physical examination and reports a new onset of intolerance to cold. Since hypothyroidism is suspected, which additional information would be noted during the client's assessment? 1. Weight loss and tachycardia 2. Complaints of weakness and lethargy 3. Diaphoresis and increased hair growth 4. Increased heart rate and respiratory rate

2

A client who visits the health care provider's office for a routine physical reports new onset of intolerance to cold. Knowing that this is a frequent complaint associated with hypothyroidism, the nurse should check for which manifestations? 1. Weight loss and thinning skin 2. Complaints of weakness and lethargy 3. Diaphoresis and increased hair growth 4. Increased heart rate and respiratory rate

2

A nurse has a prescription to administer a medication to a client who is experiencing shivering as a result of hyperthermia. Which medication should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed? 1. Buspirone (BuSpar) 2. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) 3. Prochlorperazine (Compazine) 4. Fluphenazine (Prolixin Decanoate)

2

The nurse has applied a hypothermia blanket to a client with a fever. A priority for the nurse is to inspect the skin frequently to detect which complication of hypothermia blanket use? 1. Frostbite 2. Skin breakdown 3. Venous insufficiency 4. Arterial insufficiency

2

The nurse is caring for a child after surgical removal of a brain tumor. The nurse should assess the child for which sign that would indicate that brainstem involvement occurred during the surgical procedure? 1. Inability to swallow 2. Elevated temperature 3. Altered hearing ability 4. Orthostatic hypotension

2

The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to note in this client? 1. Dry skin 2. Bulging eyeballs 3. Periorbital edema 4. Coarse facial features

2

The nursing instructor asks a nursing student to identify the risk factors associated with the development of thyrotoxicosis. The student demonstrates understanding of the risk factors by identifying an increased risk for thyrotoxicosis in which client? 1. A client with hypothyroidism 2. A client with Graves' disease who is having surgery 3. A client with diabetes mellitus scheduled for a diagnostic test 4. A client with diabetes mellitus scheduled for débridement of a foot ulcer

2

A client arrives at the postpartum unit after delivery of her infant. On performing an assessment, the nurse notes that the client is shaking uncontrollably. Which nursing action would be appropriate? 1. Massage the fundus. 2. Contact the health care provider. 3. Cover the client with a warm blanket. 4. Place the client in Trendelenburg's position.

3

Thyroid replacement therapy is prescribed for the client diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The client asks the nurse when the medication will no longer be needed. Which is the appropriate nursing response? 1. "It depends on the results of the laboratory tests." 2. "Most clients require medication for about 1 year." 3. "The medication will need to be continued for life." 4. "You will need to ask your health care provider."

3

A client who is receiving therapy with a hypothermia blanket starts to shiver. The nurse raises the blanket temperature and monitors the client. After 15 minutes the client's temperature has not increased and the client is still shivering. What should the nurse do next? 1. Apply a smaller heating pad to the client's axillae and neck areas. 2. Wait 10 more minutes and then check the client's temperature again. 3. Remove the hypothermia blanket and notify the client's health care provider (HCP). 4. Increase the blanket's temperature again and recheck the client's temperature in 15 minutes.

3

A client with a neurological problem is experiencing hyperthermia. Which measure would be least appropriate for the nurse to use in trying to lower the client's body temperature? 1. Giving tepid sponge baths 2. Applying a hypothermia blanket 3. Placing ice packs in the axilla and groin areas 4. Administering acetaminophen (Tylenol) per protocol

3

A newborn is delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery. On reception of the crying newborn, the nurse's priority is to perform which action? 1. Determine Apgar score. 2. Auscultate the heart rate. 3. Thoroughly dry the newborn. 4. Take the newborn's rectal temperature.

3

A nurse is caring for a client with a dysfunctional thyroid gland and is concerned that the client will exhibit signs of thyroid storm. Which is an early indicator of this complication? 1. Constipation 2. Bradycardia 3. Hyperreflexia 4. Low-grade temperature

3

A nurse is caring for a client with a thyrotoxicosis who is at risk for the development of thyroid storm. To detect this complication, the nurse should assess for which sign or symptom? 1. Bradycardia 2. Constipation 3. Hypertension 4. Low-grade temperature

3

An Asian American client is experiencing a fever. The nurse recognizes that the client is likely to self-treat the disorder, using which method? 1. Prayer 2. Magnetic therapy 3. Foods considered to be yin 4. Foods considered to be yang

3

The clinic nurse is caring for an infant who has been diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. The nurse is reviewing the results of the laboratory tests for a T4 and thyroid-stimulating (TSH) hormone. Which laboratory finding indicates a diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism? 1. A normal T4 level 2. An elevated T4 level 3. An elevated TSH level 4. A decreased TSH level

3

The nurse assisted with the delivery of a newborn. Which nursing action is most effective in preventing heat loss by evaporation? 1. Warming the crib pad 2. Closing the doors to the room 3. Drying the infant with a warm blanket 4. Turning on the overhead radiant warmer

3

Which interventions are appropriate when administering a tepid bath to a child with a fever? Select all that apply. 1. Allow the child's skin to air dry. 2. Apply alcohol-soaked cloths over the child's body. 3. Use a water toy to distract the child during the bath. 4. Place lightweight pajamas on the child after the bath. 5. Squeeze water over the child's body, using the washcloth.

3, 4, 5

A client has begun medication therapy with propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse should assess the client for which condition as an adverse effect of this medication? 1. Joint pain 2. Renal toxicity 3. Hyperglycemia 4. Hypothyroidism

4

A nurse is performing an assessment on a client after a thyroidectomy and notes that the client has developed hoarseness and a weak voice. Which nursing action is appropriate? 1. Check for signs of bleeding. 2. Administer calcium gluconate. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP) immediately. 4. Reassure the client that this is usually a temporary condition.

4

The nurse has just administered ibuprofen (Motrin) to a child with a temperature of 38.8° C (102° F). The nurse should also take which action? 1. Withhold oral fluids for 8 hours. 2. Sponge the child with cold water. 3. Plan to administer salicylate (aspirin) in 4 hours. 4. Remove excess clothing and blankets from the child.

4

The nurse is caring for a client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who is experiencing night fever and night sweats. Which nursing intervention would be the least helpful in managing this symptom? 1. Keep liquids at the bedside. 2. Make sure the pillow has a plastic cover. 3. Keep a change of bed linens nearby in case they are needed. 4. Administer an antipyretic after the client has a spike in temperature.

4

The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client during her first prenatal visit to the clinic. The nurse takes the client's temperature and notes that the temperature is 99.2° F. Based on this finding, which nursing action is most appropriate? 1. Document the temperature. 2. Notify the health care provider. 3. Retake the temperature by the rectal route. 4. Inform the client that the temperature is elevated and antibiotics may be required.

1

The nurse asks a nursing student about the uses of the medication dantrolene (Dantrium). The nursing student correctly states that dantrolene is used to manage hypermetabolism of skeletal muscle that occurs in which condition? 1. Low back pain 2. General anesthesia 3. Malignant hyperthermia 4. Hyperplasia of the prostate

3

The nurse in the newborn nursery is preparing to complete an initial assessment on a newborn infant who was just admitted to the nursery. The nurse should place a warm blanket on the examining table to prevent heat loss in the infant caused by which method? 1. Radiation 2. Convection 3. Conduction 4. Evaporation

3

A client arrives at the clinic complaining of fatigue, lack of energy, constipation, and depression. Following diagnostic studies, hypothyroidism is diagnosed and levothyroxine (Synthroid) is prescribed. The nurse informs the client that which is the expected outcome of the medication? 1. Alleviate depression 2. Increase energy levels 3. Increase blood glucose levels 4. Achieve normal thyroid hormone levels

4

A client complains of being cold, and the nurse notes the presence of "goose flesh" on the client's arms. The nurse plans care, knowing that which structure is responsible for this response? 1. Arterioles 2. Sweat glands 3. Collagen fibers 4. Arrector pili muscles

4

A client's baseline vital signs are as follows: temperature 98.8° F oral, pulse 74 beats/min, respirations 18 breaths/min, and blood pressure 124/76 mm Hg. The client's temperature suddenly spikes to 103° F. Which corresponding respiratory rate should the nurse anticipate in this client as part of the body's response to the change in status? 1. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min 2. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min 3. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min 4. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min

4

A health care provider has prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU) for a client with hyperthyroidism, and the nurse develops a plan of care for the client. The nurse should assess for which condition as a priority? 1. Relief of pain 2. Signs of renal toxicity 3. Signs of hyperglycemia 4. Signs of hypothyroidism

4

A nurse is assigned to the care of a client hospitalized with a diagnosis of hypothermia. The nurse anticipates that the client will exhibit which findings on assessment of vital signs? 1. Increased heart rate and increased blood pressure 2. Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure 3. Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure 4. Decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure

4

The nurse is caring for an unconscious client who is experiencing persistent hyperthermia with no signs of infection. The nurse interprets that the hyperthermia may be related to damage to the client's thermoregulatory center in which structure? 1. Cerebrum 2. Cerebellum 3. Hippocampus 4. Hypothalamus

4

The postpartum nurse is taking the vital signs of a client who delivered a healthy newborn 4 hours ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature is 100.2° F. What is the priority nursing action? 1. Document the findings. 2. Retake the temperature in 15 minutes. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 4. Increase hydration by encouraging oral fluids.

4