which of the following is an expected finding in a patient with hypothyroidism
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

HESI Medical Surgical Exam

1. Which of the following is an expected finding in a patient with hypothyroidism?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weight gain is an expected finding in hypothyroidism due to the decreased metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowing down of bodily functions, including metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Weight loss (Choice B) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism where there is an increase in metabolic rate. Increased appetite (Choice C) is also more typical of hyperthyroidism as the body is burning energy at a faster rate. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism; instead, constipation is more often observed due to the slowing down of the digestive system.

2. After delegating care to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) for a client who is prescribed habit training to manage incontinence, a nurse evaluates the UAP’s understanding. Which action indicates the UAP needs additional teaching?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action that indicates the UAP needs additional teaching is choice B, 'Changing the client’s incontinence brief when wet.' Habit training is a technique used to manage incontinence, and it is undermined by the use of absorbent incontinence briefs or pads. The nurse should re-educate the UAP on the technique of habit training, which involves scheduled toileting and promoting bladder control. Choices A, C, and D are appropriate actions that support the client’s care: toileting the client after meals, encouraging fluid intake, and documenting incontinence episodes are all important aspects of managing incontinence and monitoring the client's condition.

3. The patient is receiving sulfadiazine. The healthcare provider knows that this patient’s daily fluid intake should be at least which amount?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sulfadiazine may lead to crystalluria, a condition where crystals form in the urine. Adequate fluid intake helps prevent this adverse effect by ensuring urine is dilute enough to prevent crystal formation. The recommended daily fluid intake for a patient receiving sulfadiazine is at least 2000 mL/day. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not provide a sufficient amount of fluid intake to prevent crystalluria in patients on sulfadiazine.

4. The patient will begin taking penicillin G procaine (Wycillin). The nurse notes that the solution is milky in color. What action will the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the medication as ordered by the physician. Penicillin G procaine (Wycillin) is known to have a milky appearance, which is normal. The milky color should not raise concerns for the nurse as it is an expected characteristic of this medication. Calling the pharmacist (choice A) or the physician (choice C) unnecessarily would delay the administration of the medication. Adding normal saline to dilute the medication (choice B) is not appropriate and could alter the medication's effectiveness. Therefore, the nurse should proceed with administering the medication as prescribed without any further action based on its milky appearance.

5. A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis has blood drawn for several serum laboratory tests. Which of the following serum amylase values, noted by the nurse reviewing the results, would be expected in this client at this time?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "395 units/L." The normal serum amylase range is 25 to 151 units/L. In acute pancreatitis, the amylase level is greatly increased, typically exceeding the upper limit of the normal range. Choices A, B, and C fall within the normal range of serum amylase levels and would not be expected in a client with acute pancreatitis.

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