Question

question 1 of 5
while palpating the thyroid gland of a client with suspected hyperthyroidism, the nurse notes that the gland is enlarged and soft with a smooth texture and audible bruit over the lobes. how should the nurse interpret this finding?

• indicative of poor perfusion and thyroid hormone suppression

• consistent with fibrotic changes and chronic glandular scarring

• consistent with increased vascularity and gland stimulation

• suggestive of gland atrophy due to long - standing inflammation

Explanation:

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive. An enlarged, soft, smooth thyroid with an audible bruit (due to increased blood flow) indicates increased vascularity and gland stimulation (as the gland is working more, leading to more blood supply). Poor perfusion/hormone suppression (first option) is incorrect as hyperthyroidism has increased activity. Fibrotic changes/scaring (second) would have a harder, nodular texture. Gland atrophy (fourth) is opposite of enlargement. So the correct option is the third one.

Answer:

C. Consistent with increased vascularity and gland stimulation