1a. What is the rationale for the labs ordered, based on the symptoms that the patient is exhibiting?
Symptoms like hair loss, fatigue, and brittle nails and hair are common problems that affect a patient after surgery and radiation due to neck cancer. The doctor ordered the tests to confirm whether other symptoms like poor appetite and weight gain correspond to his diagnosis of Hypothyroidism. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and serum albumin tests are used to diagnose some types of cancers and monitor the patient’s progress after medical procedures and the effectiveness of the medication. Tests like the TSH, FT4, and INR are used to detect hypothyroidism by monitoring the thyroid hormone level.
1b. The physician follows up with the patient with the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism. What are the reasons why the patient developed Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is an illness that can attack a patient with a poor immune system. Radiation is known to negatively affect an individual’s immunity, making it possible for the patient to contract the illnesses since the procedure can damage thyroid vessels.
1c. Based on the results of the TSH and FT4, the physician starts the patient on levothyroxine (Synthroid) 0.025 mg/day and to have a follow-up?
TSH and FT4 labs and visit to the oncologist in 4 weeks. The physician informs the patient that he will continue lab tests and monthly follow-ups until the TSH and FT4 are stable. What is the rationale for this treatment plan? Hypothyroidism is an illness that causes the thyroid to produce inadequate thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. The levothyroxine drug works by replacing and supplementing thyroid hormone for individuals with Hypothyroidism. Regular checkups on FT4 and TSH will help monitor the drug’s effectiveness by monitoring how the hormone behaves in the body.
1d. What nursing interventions should the nurse provide the patient?
The nurse keeps tabs on the patient’s reaction to the medication and makes adjustments suggested by the physician where necessary. The nurse also monitors the patient’s vitals and physical condition.
2a. What other clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor for with suspected adrenal insufficiency?
Along with acquiring laboratory results, a nurse can also monitor whether the patient is experiencing other symptoms like periods of confusion, headaches, nauseous feelings, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and instances of fainting.
2b. The physician prescribes a STAT dose of IV hydr
This drug is immediately administered to the patient in emergencies like an adrenal crisis and the patient’s case. Adrenal crisis or insufficiency occurs when the adrenal gland cannot produce a sufficient amount of hormones. Patients with adrenal insufficiency are likely to receive higher doses in critical stages to help replace the necessary hormones by bringing them to normal ranges.
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