Final answer:
Bulging eyes can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, specifically Graves' disease. This condition is characterized by an excessive secretion of thyroxine hormone. Therefore, the nurse would suspect elevated thyroxine levels on the client's lab work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bulging eyes can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland secretes an excessive amount of the hormone thyroxine. This can cause symptoms such as agitation, weight loss, and bulging eyes. Therefore, if a nurse notes that a client's eyes are bulging outward, it would be indicative of elevated thyroxine levels.