Question

Which action by the nurse indicates that he is aware of the needs of the client with myxedema? A. The nurse provides the client with a private room. B. The nurse offers extra, warm blankets. C. The nurse orders high-calorie foods for the client. D. The nurse administers antihypertensive medications.

Short answer

Answer: B. The nurse offers extra, warm blankets.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding myxedema and its symptoms

Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism and is characterized by low thyroid hormone levels, leading to a slowed metabolism. Some symptoms of myxedema include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and swelling. Knowing the symptoms of myxedema will help to identify which action by the nurse is most appropriate for the client's needs.

Evaluate each answer choice

A. The nurse provides the client with a private room. This may be generally appreciated by any patient, but it doesn't specifically address the needs of clients with myxedema. B. The nurse offers extra, warm blankets. Cold intolerance is a common symptom of myxedema due to the slowed metabolism. Providing extra, warm blankets will help the client feel more comfortable and address this specific symptom. C. The nurse orders high-calorie foods for the client. Although weight gain is a symptom of myxedema, ordering high-calorie foods may not be appropriate because it could potentially exacerbate weight gain. This action doesn't specifically address the needs of clients with myxedema. D. The nurse administers antihypertensive medications. Hypertension isn't a common symptom of myxedema, and administering antihypertensive medications is not specifically addressing the needs of clients with myxedema.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer is: B. The nurse offers extra, warm blankets. This action specifically addresses one of the primary symptoms of myxedema (cold intolerance) and shows that the nurse is aware of the needs of the client with myxedema.