Early this morning a client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, the nurse assesses the client, who has now nausea, a temperature of 105F (40.5C), tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thyroid crisis. These signs suggest thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication of thyroid surgery. The high fever, tachycardia, and restlessness are classic symptoms. Thyroid crisis can lead to severe complications if not managed promptly. A: Diabetic ketoacidosis typically presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and fruity breath odor. B: Hypoglycemia would present with symptoms like diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. D: Tetany is associated with hypocalcemia and presents with muscle cramps, spasms, and numbness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: increased serum ammonia levels. In hepatic encephalopathy, the liver is unable to metabolize ammonia, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream, causing altered thought processes. This results in confusion and asterixis. Massive ascites formation (choice A) is related to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, not directly linked to altered thought processes. Fluid volume excess (choice B) is a general fluid imbalance issue, not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Altered clotting mechanism (choice D) is more associated with hepatic dysfunction leading to impaired clotting factors, not directly linked to altered thought processes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because cathartics can exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms by increasing bowel motility and causing further inflammation. Giving an oil retention enema (choice B) is not necessary for a barium enema. Ingesting radiopaque tablets (choice C) is not typically part of the preparation for a barium enema. Positioning the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice D) is not a specific requirement following the procedure. Overall, avoiding cathartics is crucial in patients with acute ulcerative colitis to prevent worsening of symptoms during the barium enema.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. INH (Isoniazid) can lead to peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin B6 deficiency. 2. Pyridoxine is vitamin B6, which helps prevent neuropathy. 3. Supplementing with pyridoxine can counteract the deficiency caused by INH. 4. Thus, option C, supplementing the diet with pyridoxine, is the correct choice. Summary: - Option A is incorrect as a low cholesterol diet does not address the vitamin B6 deficiency. - Option B is incorrect as excessive bed rest does not prevent neuropathy. - Option D is incorrect as sun exposure is not related to the prevention of peripheral neuropathy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: fractures. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. Fractures are the primary complication of osteoporosis due to decreased bone density. Increased trabeculae (A) is incorrect as osteoporosis leads to decreased bone density, not increased. Poor posture (B) may be a result of osteoporosis but is not its primary complication. Chronic pain (C) can occur with osteoporosis but is not as directly linked as fractures.