A nurse is assessing a client who has thyrotoxicosis after taking too high of a level of levothyroxine. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Dry skin: Dry skin is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. In thyrotoxicosis, the skin may appear warm and moist due to the hypermetabolic state. B. Drowsiness: Drowsiness is typically associated with hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. In thyrotoxicosis, the client is usually more alert or restless due to increased thyroid activity. C. Heat intolerance: Heat intolerance is a hallmark symptom of thyrotoxicosis. Increased thyroid hormone levels cause an elevated metabolic rate, making the body more sensitive to heat and causing discomfort in warm environments. D. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is a sign of hypothyroidism, while thyrotoxicosis causes tachycardia due to the increased metabolic rate and overstimulation of the heart.