Question

When preparing a client for discharge after a thyroidectomy, the nurse teaches the signs of hypothyroidism. When teaching when to call the primary healthcare provider, what statement made by the client shows that teaching was effective

Answer 1

Answer:

"I should call the primary healthcare provider for dry hair and an intolerance to cold."

Explanation:

Dry, sparse hair and cold intolerance are characteristic responses to low serum thyroxine. Muscle cramping is associated with hypocalcemia. Low thyroxine levels reduce the metabolic rate, resulting in fatigue, but do not increase the pulse rate. Low thyroxine levels reduce the metabolic rate, resulting in weight gain and bradycardia, not tachycardia.