An older adult client has hypothyroidism. Which assessment finding would the nurse report to the physician immediately?
1. Dry skin
2. Generalized weakness
3. Muscle cramps
4. Slurred speech
4
Rationale 1: Dry skin is an early sign of hypothyroidism and is not an emergent situation.
Rationale 2: Generalized weakness is an early sign of hypothyroidism and is likely the reason the client sought treatment. It is not emergent.
Rationale 3: Muscle cramps are an early sign of hypothyroidism and are not emergent.
Rationale 4: Slurring of the speech in an older adult client may be related to one of the more severe symptoms of hypothyroidism or may be related to a neurological condition such as a CVA. This finding should be reported.
Global Rationale: Slurring of the speech in an older adult client may be related to one of the more severe symptoms of hypothyroidism or may be related to a neurological condition such as a CVA. This finding should be reported. Dry skin is an early sign of hypothyroidism and is not an emergent situation. Generalized weakness is an early sign of hypothyroidism and is likely the reason the client sought treatment. It is not emergent. Muscle cramps are an early sign of hypothyroidism and are not emergent.
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