Chapter 39. Nursing Care of Patients With Endocrine Disorders

Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. A patient scheduled for diagnostic tests for hypothyroidism. Which symptoms should the nurse expect to observe in a patient with this disorder? a. Tremor and oily skin b. Anxiety and tachycardia c. Dry skin and slowed heart rate d. Increase in appetite and diarrhea 2. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which statement should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication? a. “If you do not take your medication, you will retain water and begin to see swelling in your feet and legs.” b. “Cushing’s syndrome is a complication of severe hypothyroidism, so you need to take this medication regularly.” c. “Thyrotoxicosis results from too little thyroid hormone, so you should monitor your temperature every day.” d. “Worsening hypothyroidism can result in a condition called myxedema coma, so it is important to take this medication.” 3. The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma who is newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. What assessment finding should the licensed practical nurse (LPN) report immediately to the registered nurse (RN)? a. Heart rate 112 beats/min b. Temperature 97.2°F (36.2°C) c. Blood pressure 112/73 mm Hg d. Respiratory rate 20 breaths/min 4. The nurse is caring for a patient with exophthalmos secondary to Graves’ disease. What nursing interventions are appropriate for this patient?