Rick Rescue, RN has just received a 42-year-old incoherent male, brought to the Emergency Department by rescue paramedics. The paramedics report to Rick Rescue, RN that the client has a history of hypothyroidism. Rick Rescue, RN’s assessment reveals: T= 96.9, P= 48, R=9, B/P= 90/50, and facial non-pitting edema. Lab results reveal blood pH= 7.2. After completing his assessment, Rick Rescue, RN understands the priority nursing action will be to prevent which possible complication?
Explanation
Answer: D - Rick Rescue, RN recognized the decreased temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, along with non-pitting edema to the face as the signs and symptoms of a possible complication of severe hypothyroidism: myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma may cause a decrease in metabolic rate, respiratory acidosis (related to decreased respiration rate), and non-pitting edema.
