Saunders: Endocrine
The nurse has provided instructions to the client with hyperparathyroidism regarding home care measures to manage the symptoms of the disease. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction? - "I should avoid bed rest." - "I need to avoid doing any exercise at all." - "I need to space activity throughout the day." - "I should gauge my activity level by my energy level."
"I need to avoid doing any exercise at all." The client with hyperparathyroidism should pace activities throughout the day and plan for periods of uninterrupted rest. The client should plan for at least 30 minutes of walking each day to support calcium movement into the bones. The client should be instructed to avoid bed rest and use energy levels as a guide to activity. The client also should be instructed to avoid high-impact activity or contact sports.
The home care nurse visits a client with a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism who is taking furosemide and provides dietary instructions to the client. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional instruction? - "I need to eat foods high in potassium." - "I need to drink at least 2 to 3 L of fluid daily." - "I need to eat small, frequent meals and snacks if nauseated." - "I need to increase my intake of dietary items that are high in calcium."
"I need to increase my intake of dietary items that are high in calcium." The aim of treatment in the client with hyperparathyroidism is to increase the renal excretion of calcium and decrease gastrointestinal absorption and bone resorption of calcium. Dietary restriction of calcium may be used as a component of therapy. The client should eat foods high in potassium, especially if the client is taking furosemide. Drinking 2 to 3 L of fluid daily and eating small, frequent meals and snacks if nauseated are appropriate instructions for the client.
The nurse is teaching a client with hyperparathyroidism how to manage the condition at home. Which response by the client indicates the need for additional teaching? - "I should consume less than 1 liter of fluid per day." - "I should use my treadmill or go for walks daily." - "I should follow a moderate-calcium, high-fiber diet." - "My alendronate helps keep calcium from coming out of my bones."
"I should consume less than 1 liter of fluid per day." In hyperparathyroidism, clients experience excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. A role of PTH in the body is to maintain serum calcium homeostasis. When PTH levels are high, there is excess bone resorption (calcium is pulled from the bones). In clients with elevated serum calcium levels, there is a risk of nephrolithiasis. One to two liters of fluids daily should be encouraged to protect the kidneys and decrease the risk of nephrolithiasis. Moderate physical activity, particularly weight-bearing activity, minimizes bone resorption and helps protect against pathological fracture. Walking, as an exercise, should be encouraged in the client with hyperparathyroidism. Even though serum calcium is already high, clients should follow a moderate-calcium diet, because a low-calcium diet will surge PTH. Calcium causes constipation, so a diet high in fiber is recommended. Alendronate is a bisphosphate that inhibits bone resorption. In bone resorption, bone is broken down and calcium is deposited into the serum.
The nurse should include which interventions in the plan of care for a client with hyperthyroidism? Select all that apply. - Provide a warm environment for the client. - Instruct the client to consume a low-fat diet. - A thyroid-releasing inhibitor will be prescribed. - Encourage the client to consume a well-balanced diet. - Instruct the client that thyroid replacement therapy will be needed. - Instruct the client that episodes of chest pain are expected to occur.
- A thyroid-releasing inhibitor will be prescribed. - Encourage the client to consume a well-balanced diet. The clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism are the result of increased metabolism caused by high levels of thyroid hormone. Interventions are aimed at reduction of the hormones and measures to support the signs and symptoms related to an increased metabolism. The client often has heat intolerance and requires a cool environment. The nurse encourages the client to consume a well-balanced diet because clients with this condition experience increased appetite. Iodine preparations are used to treat hyperthyroidism. Iodine preparations decrease blood flow through the thyroid gland and reduce the production and release of thyroid hormone. Thyroid replacement is needed for hypothyroidism. The client would notify the primary health care provider if chest pain occurs because it could be an indication of an excessive medication dose.
The nurse is preparing a client with a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism for discharge. The nurse determines that the client understands discharge instructions if the client states that which signs and symptoms are associated with this diagnosis? Select all that apply. - Tremors - Weight loss - Feeling cold - Loss of body hair - Persistent lethargy - Puffiness of the face
- Feeling cold - Loss of body hair - Persistent lethargy - Puffiness of the face Feeling cold, hair loss, lethargy, and facial puffiness are signs of hypothyroidism. Tremors and weight loss are signs of hyperthyroidism.
A client has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The nurse monitors for which signs and symptoms indicating a complication of this disorder? Select all that apply. - Fever - Nausea - Lethargy - Tremors - Confusion - Bradycardia
- Fever - Nausea - Tremors - Confusion Thyroid storm is an acute and life-threatening complication that occurs in a client with uncontrollable hyperthyroidism. Signs and symptoms of thyroid storm include elevated temperature (fever), nausea, and tremors. In addition, as the condition progresses, the client becomes confused. The client is restless and anxious and experiences tachycardia.
A nurse is reviewing the assessment findings and laboratory data for a client with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). The nurse understands that which symptoms are associated characteristics of this disorder? Select all that apply. - Hypernatremia - Signs of water deficit - High urine osmolality - Low serum osmolality - Hypotonicity of body fluids - Continued release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- High urine osmolality - Low serum osmolality - Hypotonicity of body fluids - Continued release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) SIADH is characterized by inappropriate continued release of ADH. This results in water intoxication, manifested as fluid volume expansion, hypotonicity of body fluids, and hyponatremia as a result of the high urine osmolality and low serum osmolality.
The nurse is admitting a client who is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and has serum sodium of 118 mEq/L (118 mmol/L). Which prescriptions should the nurse anticipate receiving? Select all that apply. - Initiate an infusion of 3% NaCl. - Administer intravenous furosemide. - Restrict fluids to 800 mL over 24 hours. - Elevate the head of the bed to high-Fowler's. - Administer a vasopressin antagonist as prescribed.
- Initiate an infusion of 3% NaCl. - Restrict fluids to 800 mL over 24 hours. - Administer a vasopressin antagonist as prescribed. Clients with SIADH experience excess secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which leads to excess intravascular volume, a declining serum osmolarity, and dilutional hyponatremia. Management is directed at correcting the hyponatremia and preventing cerebral edema. Hypertonic saline is prescribed when the hyponatremia is severe, less than 120 mEq/L (120 mmol/L). An intravenous (IV) infusion of 3% saline is hypertonic. Hypertonic saline must be infused slowly as prescribed, and an infusion pump must be used. Fluid restriction is a useful strategy aimed at correcting dilutional hyponatremia. Vasopressin is an ADH; vasopressin antagonists are used to treat SIADH. Furosemide may be used to treat extravascular volume and dilutional hyponatremia in SIADH, but it is only safe to use if the serum sodium is at least 125 mEq/L (125 mmol/L). When furosemide is used, potassium supplementation should also occur and serum potassium levels should be monitored. To promote venous return, the head of the bed should not be raised more than 10 degrees for the client with SIADH. Maximizing venous return helps to avoid stimulating stretch receptors in the heart that signal to the pituitary that more ADH is needed.
The nurse is admitting a client who is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and has serum sodium of 118 mEq/L (118 mmol/L). Which primary health care provider prescriptions should the nurse anticipate receiving? Select all that apply. - Initiate an infusion of 3% NaCl. - Administer intravenous furosemide. - Restrict fluids to 800 mL over 24 hours. - Elevate the head of the bed to high-Fowler's. - Administer a vasopressin antagonist as prescribed.
- Initiate an infusion of 3% NaCl. - Restrict fluids to 800 mL over 24 hours. - Administer a vasopressin antagonist as prescribed. Clients with SIADH experience excess secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which leads to excess intravascular volume, a declining serum osmolarity, and dilutional hyponatremia. Management is directed at correcting the hyponatremia and preventing cerebral edema. Hypertonic saline is prescribed when the hyponatremia is severe, less than 120 mEq/L (120 mmol/L). When furosemide is used, potassium supplementation should also occur and serum potassium levels should be monitored. To promote venous return, the head of the bed should not be raised more than 10 degrees for the client with SIADH. Maximizing venous return helps avoid stimulating stretch receptors in the heart that signal to the pituitary that more ADH is needed.
The nurse should include which interventions in the plan of care for a client with hypothyroidism? Select all that apply. - Provide a cool environment for the client. - Instruct the client to consume a high-fat diet. - Instruct the client about thyroid replacement therapy. - Encourage the client to consume fluids and high-fiber foods in the diet. - Inform the client that iodine preparations will be prescribed to treat the disorder. - Instruct the client to contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) if episodes of chest pain occur.
- Instruct the client about thyroid replacement therapy. - Encourage the client to consume fluids and high-fiber foods in the diet. - Instruct the client to contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) if episodes of chest pain occur. The clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism are the result of decreased metabolism from low levels of thyroid hormone. Interventions are aimed at replacement of the hormone and providing measures to support the signs and symptoms related to decreased metabolism. The client often has cold intolerance and requires a warm environment. The nurse encourages the client to consume a well-balanced diet that is low in fat for weight reduction and high in fluids and high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. Iodine preparations may be used to treat hyperthyroidism. Iodine preparations decrease blood flow through the thyroid gland and reduce the production and release of thyroid hormone; they are not used to treat hypothyroidism. The client is instructed to notify the PHCP if chest pain occurs because it could be an indication of overreplacement of thyroid hormone.
The nurse is caring for a client with a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Which clinical manifestations might the nurse expect to note on examination of this client? Select all that apply. - Irritability - Periorbital edema - Coarse, brittle hair - Slow or slurred speech - Abdominal distention - Soft, silky, thinning hair
- Periorbital edema - Coarse, brittle hair - Slow or slurred speech - Abdominal distention The manifestations of hypothyroidism are the result of decreased metabolism from low levels of thyroid hormones. The client may exhibit skin manifestations, such as coarse, brittle hair; thick, brittle nails; coarse, scaly skin; delayed wound healing; periorbital edema; and face puffiness. Neuromuscular manifestations include lethargy, slow or slurred speech, and impaired memory. Gastrointestinal manifestations include complaints of constipation, weight gain, and abdominal distention. Irritability and soft, silky, thinning hair on the scalp are manifestations of hyperthyroidism.
A nurse is reviewing the assessment findings for a client who was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. The nurse understands that which manifestations are associated with this disorder? Select all that apply. - Polyuria - Polydipsia - Concentrated urine - Complaints of excessive thirst - Specific gravity lower than 1.005
- Polyuria - Polydipsia - Complaints of excessive thirst - Specific gravity lower than 1.005 A triad of clinical symptoms-polyuria, polydipsia, and excessive thirst-often occurs suddenly in the client with diabetes insipidus. The urine is dilute, with a specific gravity lower than 1.005, and the urine osmolality is low (50 to 200 mOsm/L).
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? - A client with hypothyroidism - A client with Graves' disease who is having surgery - A client with diabetes mellitus scheduled for a diagnostic test - A client with diabetes mellitus scheduled for debridement of a foot ulcer
A client with Graves' disease who is having surgery Thyrotoxicosis usually is seen in clients with Graves' disease in whom the symptoms are precipitated by a major stressor. This complication typically occurs during periods of severe physiological or psychological stress such as trauma, sepsis, delivery, or major surgery. It also must be recognized as a potential complication after thyroidectomy. The client conditions in the remaining options are not associated with thyrotoxicosis.
A client has been hospitalized for impaired function of the posterior pituitary gland. The nurse plans to monitor for signs and symptoms of which hormone imbalance? - Growth hormone (GH) - Luteinizing hormone (LH) - Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) ADH is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. The other hormone stored in the posterior pituitary gland is oxytocin. Both ADH and oxytocin are synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. These hormones are released as needed into the bloodstream. The anterior pituitary gland produces GH, LH, and FSH.
A client has just been admitted to the nursing unit following thyroidectomy. Which assessment is the priority for this client? - Hoarseness - Hypocalcemia - Audible stridor - Edema at the surgical site
Audible stridor Thyroidectomy is the removal of the thyroid gland, which is located in the anterior neck. It is very important to monitor airway status, as any swelling to the surgical site could cause respiratory distress. Although all of the options are important for the nurse to monitor, the priority nursing action is to monitor the airway.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. The nurse focuses on psychosocial needs, knowing that which is likely to occur in the client? - Infertility - Gynecomastia - Sexual dysfunction - Body image changes
Body image changes Because of the location of the incision in the neck area, many clients are afraid of thyroid surgery for fear of having a visible large scar postoperatively. Having all or part of the thyroid gland removed will not cause the client to experience gynecomastia. Sexual dysfunction and infertility could occur if the entire thyroid is removed and the client is not placed on thyroid replacement medications.
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? - Dry skin - Bulging eyeballs - Periorbital edema - Coarse facial features
Bulging eyeballs Hyperthyroidism is clinically manifested by goiter (increase in the size of the thyroid gland) and exophthalmos (bulging eyeballs). Other clinical manifestations include nervousness, fatigue, weight loss, muscle cramps, and heat intolerance. Additional signs found in this disorder include tachycardia; shortness of breath; excessive sweating; fine muscle tremors; thin, silky hair and thin skin; infrequent blinking; and a staring appearance.
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? - Dry skin - Thin, silky hair - Bulging eyeballs - Fine muscle tremors
Dry skin Myxedema is a deficiency of thyroid hormone. The client will present with a puffy, edematous face, especially around the eyes (periorbital edema), along with coarse facial features; dry skin; and dry, coarse hair and eyebrows. The remaining options are noted in the client with hyperthyroidism.
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? - Fever and tachycardia - Pallor and tachycardia - Agitation and bradycardia - Restlessness and bradycardia
Fever and tachycardia Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) is an acute, potentially life-threatening state of extreme thyroid activity that represents a breakdown in the body's tolerance to a chronic excess of thyroid hormones. The clinical manifestations include fever with temperatures greater than 100º F, severe tachycardia, flushing and sweating, and marked agitation and restlessness. Delirium and coma can occur.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Addison's disease. The nurse would assess for which problem as a manifestation of this disorder? - Edema - Obesity - Hirsutism - Hypotension
Hypotension Common manifestations of Addison's disease include postural hypotension from fluid loss, syncope, muscle weakness, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, weight loss, depression, and irritability. The remaining options do not occur with this disease.
A client has abnormal amounts of circulating thyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). While obtaining the health history, the nurse asks the client about dietary intake. Lack of which dietary element is most likely the cause? - Iodine - Calcium - Phosphorus - Magnesium
Iodine Adequate dietary iodine is needed to produce T3 and T4. The other requirements for adequate T3 and T4 production are an intact thyroid gland and a functional hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid feedback system. The remaining options are not responsible for the abnormal amounts of circulating T3 and T4.
The nurse is caring for a client after thyroidectomy. The client expresses concern about the postoperative voice hoarseness she is experiencing and asks if the hoarseness will subside. The nurse should provide the client with which information? - It indicates nerve damage. - The hoarseness is permanent. - It is normal during this time and will subside. - It will worsen before it subsides, which may take 6 months.
It is normal during this time and will subside. Hoarseness in the postoperative period usually is the result of laryngeal pressure or edema and will resolve within a few days. The client should be reassured that the effects are transitory. The other options are incorrect.
A client is admitted to an emergency department, and a diagnosis of myxedema coma is made. Which action should the nurse prepare to carry out initially? - Warm the client. - Maintain a patent airway. - Administer thyroid hormone. - Administer fluid replacement.
Maintain a patent airway. Myxedema coma is a rare but serious disorder that results from persistently low thyroid production. Coma can be precipitated by acute illness, rapid withdrawal of thyroid medication, anesthesia and surgery, hypothermia, and the use of sedatives and opioid analgesics. In myxedema coma, the initial nursing action is to maintain a patent airway. Oxygen should be administered, followed by fluid replacement, keeping the client warm, monitoring vital signs, and administering thyroid hormones by the intravenous route.
The nurse has developed a postoperative plan of care for a client who had a thyroidectomy and documents that the client is at risk for developing an ineffective breathing pattern. Which nursing intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care? - Maintain a supine position. - Monitor neck circumference every 4 hours. - Maintain a pressure dressing on the operative site. - Encourage deep-breathing exercises and vigorous coughing exercises.
Monitor neck circumference every 4 hours. After thyroidectomy, neck circumference is monitored every 2 hours to assess for the occurrence of postoperative edema. The client should be placed in an upright position to facilitate air exchange. A pressure dressing is not placed on the operative site because it may restrict breathing. The nurse should monitor the dressing closely and should loosen the dressing if necessary. The nurse should assist the client with deep-breathing exercises, but coughing is minimized to prevent tissue damage and stress to the incision.
A client has overactivity of the thyroid gland. The nurse should expect which finding? - Weight gain - Nutritional deficiencies - Low blood glucose levels - Increased body fat stores
Nutritional deficiencies Although the client may experience an increased appetite with overactivity of the thyroid gland, food intake does not meet energy demands, and nutritional deficiencies can develop. Weight loss occurs as a result of the increased metabolic activity. Glucose tolerance is decreased, and the client experiences hyperglycemia. Overactivity of the thyroid gland also causes increased metabolism, including fat metabolism. This leads to decreased levels of fat in the bloodstream, including cholesterol, and decreased body fat stores.
A nurse is assessing a client who has had cranial surgery and is at risk for development of diabetes insipidus. The nurse would assess for which signs or symptoms that could indicate development of this complication? - Diarrhea - Infection - Polydipsia - Weight gain
Polydipsia Polydipsia and polyuria are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus. The urine is pale, and the specific gravity is low. Diarrhea is not indicative of the complication. Infection is not associated with diabetes insipidus. Anorexia and weight loss also may occur.
The nurse is completing an assessment on a client who is being admitted for a diagnostic workup for primary hyperparathyroidism. Which client complaints would be characteristic of this disorder? Select all that apply. - Polyuria - Headache - Bone pain - Nervousness - Weight gain
Polyuria and bone pain The role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body is to maintain serum calcium homeostasis. In hyperparathyroidism, PTH levels are high, which causes bone resorption (calcium is pulled from the bones). Hypercalcemia occurs with hyperparathyroidism. Elevated serum calcium levels produce osmotic diuresis and thus polyuria. This diuresis leads to dehydration (weight loss rather than weight gain). Loss of calcium from the bones causes bone pain. Options 2, 4, and 5 are not associated with hyperparathyroidism. Some gastrointestinal symptoms include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
The nurse caring for a client with a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism reviews the laboratory results of blood tests for this client and notes that the calcium level is extremely low. The nurse should expect to note which finding on assessment of the client? - Unresponsive pupils - Positive Trousseau's sign - Negative Chvostek's sign - Hyperactive bowel sounds
Positive Trousseau's sign Hypoparathyroidism is related to a lack of parathyroid hormone secretion or a decreased effectiveness of parathyroid hormone on target tissues. The end result of this disorder is hypocalcemia. When serum calcium levels are critically low, the client may exhibit Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs, which indicate potential tetany. The remaining options are not related to the presence of hypocalcemia.
A client has just been admitted to the nursing unit following thyroidectomy. Which assessment is the priority for this client? - Hypoglycemia - Level of hoarseness - Respiratory distress - Edema at the surgical site
Respiratory distress Thyroidectomy is the removal of the thyroid gland, which is located in the anterior neck. It is very important to monitor airway status, as any swelling to the surgical site could cause respiratory distress. Although all of the options are important for the nurse to monitor, the priority nursing action is to monitor the airway.
A client with an endocrine disorder has experienced recent weight loss and exhibits tachycardia. Based on the clinical manifestations, the nurse should suspect dysfunction of which endocrine gland? - Thyroid - Pituitary - Parathyroid - Adrenal cortex
Thyroid The thyroid gland is responsible for a number of metabolic functions in the body. Among these are metabolism of nutrients such as fats and carbohydrates. Increased metabolic function places a demand on the cardiovascular system for a higher cardiac output. A client with increased activity of the thyroid gland will experience weight loss from the higher metabolic rate and will have an increased pulse rate. The anterior pituitary gland produces growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin are secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. Both ADH and oxytocin are synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. These hormones are released as needed into the bloodstream. Parathyroid hormone is responsible for maintaining serum calcium and phosphorus levels within normal range. The adrenal cortex is responsible for the production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
The nurse is monitoring a client for signs of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. Which sign or symptom, if noted in the client, would most likely indicate the presence of hypocalcemia? - Bradycardia - Flaccid paralysis - Tingling around the mouth - Absence of Chvostek's sign
Tingling around the mouth After thyroidectomy the nurse assesses the client for signs of hypocalcemia and tetany. Early signs include tingling around the mouth and in the fingertips, muscle twitching or spasms, palpitations or arrhythmias, and Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs. Bradycardia, flaccid paralysis, and absence of Chvostek's sign are not signs of hypocalcemia.
The nurse is caring for a client after thyroidectomy. The nurse notes that calcium gluconate is prescribed for the client. The nurse determines that this medication has been prescribed for which purpose? - To treat thyroid storm - To prevent cardiac irritability - To treat hypocalcemic tetany - To stimulate release of parathyroid hormone
To treat hypocalcemic tetany Hypocalcemia, resulting in tetany, can develop after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during surgery. Manifestations develop 1 to 7 days after surgery. If the client develops numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or toes; muscle spasms; or twitching, the primary health care provider is notified immediately. Calcium gluconate should be readily available in the nursing unit.
The nurse has provided dietary instructions to a client with a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client that it is acceptable to include which item in the diet? - Fish - Cereals - Vegetables - Meat and poultry
Vegetables The client with hypoparathyroidism is instructed to follow a calcium-rich diet and to restrict the amount of phosphorus in the diet. Vegetables are allowed in the diet. The client should limit meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, and cereals.
