Question

Which statement by a 50-yr-old female patient indicates to the nurse that further assessment of thyroid function may be necessary?

A) "I've been feeling more tired than usual lately."
B) "I've noticed some weight gain over the past year."
C) "My skin has been very dry and itchy."
D) "I've been experiencing heart palpitations and sweating."

Answer 1

A statement about feeling more tired than usual suggests the need for further thyroid function assessment as it could indicate hypothyroidism. Dry skin and weight gain are also associated with an underactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is linked with symptoms such as heart palpitations and sweating.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by a 50-year-old female patient that indicates the need for further assessment of thyroid function is "I've been feeling more tired than usual lately." This statement, along with other symptoms such as weight gain, dry skin, and fatigue, can be indicative of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. In contrast, symptoms such as heart palpitations and sweating are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the gland is overactive. The thyroid gland is responsible for releasing hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and appetite, and any imbalance can lead to noticeable changes in bodily functions.