A patient comes into the ER with HR 122 bpm, BP 110/72 mm Hg, Temp 99.4 F, and RR 22. They report a racing feeling in their heart and have also been experiencing diarrhea for the last several months. Which lab result does the nurse anticipate?

Correct

  • Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH)
  • Low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
  • Low T3 and T4
  • Elevated potassium

Rationale

Elevated heart rate and diarrhea indicate the patient may have hyperthyroidism. This would cause a low TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Elevated PTH (parathyroid hormone) is unrelated to the patient’s symptoms. Low T3 and T4 (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) are signs of hypothyroidism. Elevated potassium is not expected with a patient with chronic diarrhea.

  • Category: Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Difficulty: 5
  • Tags: Endocrine Cardiovascular Communication & Documentation Elimination Fluid and Electrolytes Laboratory Studies

Question 59 of 75

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