A 40-year-old woman had a total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism after medical management was not successful. The nurse is preparing to teach the client about her thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine).

Which health teaching will the nurse include about this drug?

Select all that apply.

In acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone hormones. These hormones play an important role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Therefore, a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency may have low sodium and high potassium levels in their blood.

The goal of therapy is to replace the deficient hormones and normalize the electrolyte levels in the body. If the current therapies are effective, the nurse would expect to see an increase in the patient's serum sodium levels because of aldosterone replacement therapy. Therefore, option a is the correct answer.

Decreasing serum chloride levels and decreasing blood glucose levels are not directly related to the treatment of acute adrenal insufficiency. In fact, a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency may have low serum chloride levels and low blood glucose levels due to the lack of cortisol hormone.

Increasing serum potassium levels would be an indicator of ineffective treatment or inadequate aldosterone replacement therapy, as aldosterone helps to regulate potassium levels in the body.

IV fluids are not typically used as a treatment for UTIs (urinary tract infections) as they do not directly address the infection itself. The main reason for administering IV fluids to a patient with a UTI would be to ensure adequate hydration, especially if the patient is experiencing fever or other symptoms of dehydration. Adequate hydration can also help improve the efficacy of antibiotics in treating the infection by ensuring that the urinary system is properly functioning and able to flush out bacteria.

Therefore, option b would be the closest answer as IV fluids may be given to facilitate the administration of IV antibiotics. However, it is important to note that antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs, and IV fluids are usually given as a supportive measure to ensure the patient's overall well-being. Flushing bacteria from the urinary tract or diluting bacteria are not considered primary rationales for administering IV fluids in a patient with a UTI. Relief of pain and discomfort may be managed with pain medication, but this is not the primary reason for IV fluid administration.