The nurse teaches a client with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism about the need for thyroid hormone replacement therapy to restore normal thyroid function. Which thyroid preparation is the agent of choice for thyroid hormone replacement therapy?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the agent of choice for thyroid hormone replacement therapy in clients with hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4 and is considered a stable and reliable medication for thyroid replacement. It is usually well tolerated and has a consistent potency, making it easier to adjust the dosage based on the client's thyroid hormone levels. Levothyroxine is typically taken orally once daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, to ensure optimal absorption. In contrast, Methimazole (Tapazole) is used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones, Livothyronine (Cytomel) is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T3, and Thyroid USP dessicated (Thyroid USP) is a natural preparation derived from porcine thyroid glands,

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by viruses, toxins, or chemicals and drugs. Bacteria, however, do not typically cause hepatitis. Common viral causes of hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, and C. Toxins like alcohol and certain medications, as well as exposure to chemicals, can also lead to hepatitis. Therefore, bacteria are not considered one of the primary causes of hepatitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when increased pressure within a muscle compartment impairs blood supply, leading to tissue ischemia and potential necrosis. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include severe, unrelieved pain that is disproportionate to the injury, as well as pain with passive stretch of the affected muscles. This pain is often described as deep, constant, and out of proportion to physical findings. Other signs that may indicate compartment syndrome include pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis, but the most specific and early sign is severe, unrelieved pain. While weak movement of the patient's toes and decreased pedal pulses can also be seen in compartment syndrome, they are not as specific or early indicators as severe, unrelieved pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The client's signs and symptoms point towards a diagnosis of peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity. The presence of severe, constant abdominal pain, rigid abdominal muscles, rebound tenderness, hypotension, and tachycardia are all indicative of peritonitis. These symptoms are typically seen when there is an infection or inflammation in the abdominal cavity, leading to fluid shifting from the intravascular space to the peritoneal cavity. This shifting of fluid results in hypovolemia, causing hypotension and tachycardia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nephritic syndrome is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to proteinuria, hematuria, and decreased kidney function. The hallmark symptom of nephritic syndrome is edema, which occurs due to the loss of proteins in the urine as a result of damaged glomeruli. The loss of proteins leads to a decrease in colloid osmotic pressure, causing fluid to leak out from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, resulting in edema. Osmotic diuresis, hypolipidemia, and hyperproteinemia are not typically associated with nephritic syndrome.