Problem
Jean Fields is a 72-year-old client who has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease. Her husband of 52 years died of lung cancer 2 weeks ago, and she has been dealing with extreme emotional upset and grief. She has been admitted to the hospital with fatigue, weakness, fever, tachycardia, and dehydration.
• What is a possible cause of Ms. Fields' symptoms? What questions would the nurse need to ask Ms. Fields to help determine factors that may have contributed to her condition?
• Ms. Fields is prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU) every 8 hours. What should the nurse include in teaching Ms. Fields about this drug?
• Ms. Fields is prescribed propranolol in addition to the PTU. She asks why two different drugs are necessary. How should the nurse respond?
The response should include a reference list. Using double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.