During the physical examination of a 36-year-old female, the nurse finds that the patient's thyroid gland cannot be palpated. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to
a. palpate the patient's neck more deeply.
b. document that the thyroid was nonpalpable.
c. notify the health care provider immediately.
d. teach the patient about thyroid hormone testing.
ANS: B
The thyroid is frequently nonpalpable. The nurse should simply document the finding. There is no need to notify the health care provider immediately about a normal finding. There is no indication for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing unless there is evidence of thyroid dysfunction. Deep palpation of the neck is not appropriate.
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