Final answer:
When a nurse notes a palpable thyroid gland, auscultating the thyroid for bruits is the most appropriate action to assess for hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that produces hormones such as T4, T3, and calcitonin through follicular cells. Option 2) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse notes a palpable thyroid gland, the most appropriate assessment to perform would be to auscultate the thyroid gland for bruits. This is because bruits are sounds that indicate increased blood flow, which can occur with conditions such as a hyperfunctioning thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, just below the larynx and in front of the trachea. It is made up of two lobes connected by an isthmus.
The types of cells within the thyroid that produce hormones are thyroid follicular cells, which synthesize the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are critical for regulating metabolic activity in the body. Additionally, the gland produces calcitonin, which helps to regulate calcium ion concentrations in the blood.