The nurse is assessing an older adult client who has come to the outpatient clinic with complaints of fatigue. The nurse believes that the client is exhibiting clinical manifestations associated with hypothyroidism

Question

Which of the following findings are consistent with the presence of this condition? Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. The client's son states, "Sometimes, she seems a little slow to respond during our conversations, like she's taking longer to process the information.".
2. The client's bowel sounds are hyperactive in all four quadrants.
3. The client states, "I just don't have the energy that I once did. Most of the time I just feel like sitting down.".
4. The client's apical heart rate is 106 beats per minute.
5. The client's respiratory rate is 10 breaths per minute.

Answer 1

1,3,5
Rationale 1: The client's son states, "Sometimes, she seems a little slow to respond during our conversations, like she's taking longer to process the information.". Slowed mental processing can be associated with hypothyroidism.
Rationale 2: The client's bowel sounds are hyperactive in all four quadrants. Hyperactive bowel sounds are normally auscultated in clients with hyperthyroidism.
Rationale 3: The client states, "I just don't have the energy that I once did. Most of the time I just feel like sitting down.". The client's perception that her energy level has decreased is consistent with hypothyroidism.
Rationale 4: The client's apical heart rate is 106 beats per minute. The client's apical heart rate is elevated, which is normally associated with hyperthyroidism.
Rationale 5: The client's respiratory rate is 10 breaths per minute. The client's respiratory rate is decreased and this can be associated with hypothyroidism.