The patient asks about his lab test, which showed a high level of TSH and a low level of T4. You explain:
1. "It means that you have an inconsistency in your thyroid tests, and you will need more testing."
2. "I am sorry. You will have to ask your doctor about your lab results. We are not allowed to discuss them."
3. "The TSH is sending a message to your thyroid gland to increase production, but your thyroid isn't doing that."
4. "That means that you will have to go on hormone therapy for the rest of your life."
3
The test determines if the problem is in the pituitary or in the thyroid. In this case the high TSH is coming from the pituitary as it should but the thyroid is not responding.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
REF: 981, Diagnostic Tests and Procedures table OBJ: 2
TOP: Thyroid Lab Tests KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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