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.
"You will need to get frequent laboratory tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels."
"You will only need to take the drug for about 3 to 6 months."
"Don't take more of the drug than prescribed to prevent hyperthyroidism symptoms."
"Check with your primary health care provider if you take any other medication or herb.”
Correct Answer : A,C,D
The correct answers are a, c, and d. The client will need to take thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) for the rest of her life since she had a total thyroidectomy. The dosage will need to be carefully monitored to ensure that it is correct, and laboratory tests will need to be done frequently to monitor thyroid hormone levels. Taking too much of the drug can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms, so it is important not to take more than prescribed. It is also important to check with a healthcare provider before taking any other medications or herbs, as they can interact with levothyroxine.
Answer b is incorrect because the client will need to take the drug for the rest of her life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
0.25 mg is equivalent to 250 mcg (micrograms). Therefore, the correct answer would be to give half of a 125 mcg tablet, which would be 0.125 mg or 125 mcg.
Synthroid is a prescription medicine used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is given when your thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own². The typical starting dosage for this use in adults is 12.5 mcg to 25 mcg, once per day¹. Therefore, if you have Synthroid 125 mcg tablets available and you need to give Synthroid 0.25 mg po, you should give **2 tablets**
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
The serum laboratory test results that support the probable diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in a 40- year-old female client with a family history of thyroid problems and presenting with symptoms of unintentional weight loss, irritability, and chest discomfort are increased T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) levels, as hyperthyroidism is characterized by excess production of thyroid hormones. Options b, c, e, f, and g are not typically associated with hyperthyroidism.
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