Which of the following clinical manifestations lead the health care worker to suspect the client is at the end-stage expression of hypothyroidism? A client: Select all that apply

Question

A) Who takes analgesics for chronic pain that goes into a coma
B) Brought to the emergency department with hypothermia who presents with low serum sodium levels
C) In the emergency department presenting with tachycardia and palpitations
D) Whose family took him to the health care provider complaining of shortness of breath and heat intolerance
E) Who has abnormal retraction of eyelids and infrequent blinking

Answer 1

Ans: A, B
Feedback:
Myxedematous coma is a life-threatening, end-stage expression of hypothyroidism. It is characterized by coma, hypothermia, cardiovascular collapse, hypoventilation, and severe metabolic disorders including hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis. With the hypermetabolic state of hyperthyroidism, there are frequent complaints of nervousness, irritability, and fatigability. Weight loss is common despite a large appetite. Other manifestations include tachycardia, palpitations, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, and heat intolerance.