1. The nurse is completing a health assessment of a 42-year-old female with
suspected Graves' Disease. The nurse should assess this client for
1. anorexia
2. tachycardia
3. weight gain
4. cold skin
Answer 2. tachycardia
Graves' disease, the most common type of thyrotoxicosis, is a state of hypermetabolism. The increased metabolic rate
generates heat and produces tachycardia and fine muscle tremors. Anorexia is associated with hypothyroidism. Loss
of weight, despite a good appetite and adequate caloric intake, is a common feature of hyperthyroidism. Cold skin is
associated with hypothyroidism.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
,2. When conducting a health history with a female client with thyrotoxicosis, the
nurse should ask about which of the following changes in the menstrual cycle?
1. dysmenorrhea
2. metrorrhagia
3. oligomenorrhea
4. menorrhagia
Answer 3. oligomenorrhea
A change in the menstrual interval, diminished menstrual flow (oligomenorrhea), or even the absence of menstruation
(amenorrhea) may result from the hormonal imbalances of thyrotoxicosis. Oligomenorrhea in women and decreased
libido and impotence in men are common features of thyrotoxicosis. Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation. Metr-
orrhagia, blood loss between menstrual periods, is a symptom of hypothyroidism. Menorrhagia, excessive bleeding
during menstrual periods, is a symptom of hypothyroidism.
,CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
3. A 34-year-old female is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The nurse should
assess the client for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
1. rapid pulse
, 2. decreased energy and fatigue
3. weight gain of 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
4. fine, thin hair with hair loss
5. constipation
6. menorrhagia.
Answer 2. decreased energy and fatigue, 3. weight gain of 10 lbs (4.5 kg), 5. constipation, 6.
menorrhagia
Clients with hypothyroidism exhibit symptoms indicating a lack of thyroid hormone. Bradycardia, decreased energy and
lethargy, memory problems, weight gain, coarse hair, constipation, and menorrhagia are common signs and
symptoms of hypothyroidism.
CN
Physiological adaptation; CL
Analyze
4. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a client with Graves' disease. The nurse