Endocrine NCLEX Practice Questions

In the administration of a drug such as levothyroxine (Synthroid), the nurse should teach the client: A) That therapy typically lasts about 6 months. B) That weekly laboratory tests for T4 levels will be required. C) To report weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. D) That the drug may be taken every other day if diarrhea occurs.

C) To report weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. Weight loss, anxiety, insomnia and palpitations are signs of hyperthyroidism. An adjustment in dose would need to be obtained in order to reach a therapeutic level of levothyroxine (Synthroid) in the patient with hypothyroidism.

A patient with hyperthyroidism is taking propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse will monitor the patient for: A) gingival hyperplasia and lycopenemia. B) dyspnea and a dry cough. C) blurred vision and nystagmus. D) fever and sore throat.

D) fever and sore throat. Fever and sore throat are signs of a serious adverse reaction in PTU and should be reported immediately.

A female client with hypothyroidism (myxedema) is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. Which finding should nurse Hans recognize as an adverse drug effect? a. Dysuria b. Leg cramps c. Tachycardia d. Blurred vision

c. Tachycardia Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is given to a client with hypothyroidism to simulate the effects of thyroxine. Adverse effects of this agent include tachycardia. The other options aren't associated with levothyroxine.

Which of the following assessment findings characterize thyroid storm? a) increased body temperature, decreased pulse, and increased blood pressure b) increased body temperature, increased pulse, and increased blood pressure c) increased body temperature, decreased pulse, and decreased blood pressure d) increased body temperature, increased pulse, and decreased blood pressure

b) increased body temperature, increased pulse, and increased blood pressure Thyroid storm is characterized by SNS activation. Thyroid hormones potentiate effects of cathecolamines (epinephrine/norepinephrine). Therefore, all vital signs will be increased.

Nurse Oliver should expect a client with hypothyroidism to report which health concerns? a. Increased appetite and weight loss b. Puffiness of the face and hands c. Nervousness and tremors d. Thyroid gland swelling

b. Puffiness of the face and hands Hypothyroidism (myxedema) causes facial puffiness, extremity edema, and weight gain. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) include an increased appetite, weight loss, nervousness, tremors, and thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).

A patient with hypothyroidism is treated with Synthroid. When teaching the patient about the therapy, the nurse a. explains that caloric intake must be reduced when drug therapy is started b. provides written instruction for all information related to the medication therapy c. assures the patient that a return to normal function will occur with replacement therapy d. informs the patient that medications must be taken until hormone balance is reestablished

b. provides written instruction for all information related to the medication therapy (rationale- because of the mental sluggishness, inattentiveness, and memory loss that occur with hypothyroidism, it is important to provide written instructions and repeat information when teaching the patient. Caloric intake can be increased when drug therapy is started, because of an increased metabolic rate, and replacement therapy must be taken for life. Although most patients return to a normal state with treatment, cardiovascular conditions and psychoses may persist.)

A physician has prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU) for a client with hyperthyroidism and the nurse develops a plan of care for the client. A priority nursing assessment to be included in the plan regarding this medication is to assess for: a) relief of pain b) signs of renal toxicity c) signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia d) signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism

d) signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism Excessive dosing with propylthiouracil (PTU) may convert the client from a hyperthyroid state to a hypothyroid state. If this occurs, the dosage should be reduced. Temporary administration of thyroid hormone may be required. Propylthiouracil is not used for pain and does not cause hyperglycemia or renal toxicity.

A physician prescribes levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid), 0.15 mg orally daily, for a client with hypothyroidism. The nurse will prepare to administer this medication: a) in the morning to prevent insomnia b) only when the client complains of fatigue and cold intolerance c) at various times during the day to prevent tolerance from occurring d) three times daily in equal doses of 0.5 mg each to ensure consistent serum drug levels

a) in the morning to prevent insomnia Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is a synthetic thyroid hormone that increases cellular metabolism. Levothyroxine should be given in the morning in a single dose to prevent insomnia and should be given at the same time each day to maintain an adequate drug level. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect.

The nurse is planning care for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which of the following nursing interventions are appropriate? Select all that apply a) instill isotonic eye drops as necessary b) provide several, small, well-balanced meals c) provide rest periods d) keep environment warm e) encourage frequent visitors and conversation f) weigh the client daily

a, b, c, and f (a) The client with hyperthyroidism may experience exopthalmos. This requires instillation of eye drops to prevent dryness and ulceration of the cornea. (b and f) The client experiences weight loss because of hypermetabolism. Several, small, well-balanced meals are given to improve nutritional status of the client and daily weights should be monitored. Weight is the most objective indicator of nutritional status. (c) The client is usually exhausted due to restlessness and agitation. Frequent rest periods help the client regain energy.