The client is admitted to the intensive care department diagnosed with myxedema coma. Which assessement data warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Pulse oximeter reading 96%: A pulse oximeter reading of 96% is within the normal range (95-100%) and does not warrant immediate intervention. This indicates that the client's oxygen saturation is adequate. B. Serum blood glucose level of 74 mg/dL: A serum blood glucose level of 74 mg/dL is within the normal range (70-100 mg/dL) for a fasting blood glucose level. This does not indicate an urgent issue, and no immediate intervention is needed for this value. C. The client is lethargic and sleeps all the time: Lethargy and excessive sleep can be symptoms of myxedema coma, as it is a severe form of hypothyroidism. However, this is a common manifestation of the condition and does not require immediate intervention D. Telemetry reading showing sinus bradycardia: Sinus bradycardia is common in myxedema coma due to the decreased metabolic rate associated with severe hypothyroidism. However, if the heart rate becomes too low, it can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrest.