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Question:
You are assessing a 53-year-old female who neighbors discovered acting funny. The patient appears to be fatigued and confused and exhibiting slurred speech. She is breathing and has a pulse and skin that is cool and mottled. Vital signs are pulse 68 beats per minute, respirations 14 per minute, blood pressure 108/60 mmHg, and temperature 92.7 degrees Fahrenheit. There are no signs of trauma to the patient. Patient prescriptions of Verapamil, Digoxin, Synthroid, and nitroglycerin are found in the bedroom. Allergies are unknown. The temperature in her apartment is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the assessment findings, which of the following conditions is most likely a contributing factor to the patient's condition?
A
Hypothyroidism
explanation
The paramedic must recognize that the patient is hypothermic, based on the body temperature as well as the temperature in the apartment. Furthermore, the paramedic must recognize that the patient suffers from hypothyroidism, as evidenced by her use of Synthroid. Hypothyroidism describes a thyroid that is slow and can only generate minimal cellular metabolism. Since heat generation is a product of cellular metabolism, the patient's body temperature drops accordingly. Neither atrial fibrillation, hypertension, nor seizure would cause the patient to become hypothermic.
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