Question

A home health nurse is assessing a client who requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of hypothyroidism. The client has not been taking his medication regularly. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A) Weight loss
B) Bradycardia
C) Elevated TSH levels
D) Increased energy levels

Answer 1

A home health nurse should expect weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms of an underactive thyroid in a client who is not regularly taking their hormone replacement medication for hypothyroidism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. In this condition, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, resulting in a slowed metabolism and a variety of symptoms. One of the main symptoms is weight gain, as the body's metabolism is not functioning optimally. Additionally, hypothyroidism can cause fatigue and sluggishness. Therefore, if a client with hypothyroidism is not taking their medication regularly, the nurse should expect to see weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid.