A client with a history of hypothyroidism has accidentally been taking double her prescribed dose of levothyroxine. Which assessment findings would the nurse expect due to an excess of this medication?
Weight gain and lethargy
Nervousness and tachycardia
Facial puffiness and constipation
Hypotension and intolerance to cold
The Correct Answer is B
A. Weight gain and lethargy: These symptoms are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism or insufficient thyroid hormone levels, not with excess levothyroxine.
B. Nervousness and tachycardia: Excessive levothyroxine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as increased heart rate (tachycardia) and nervousness. These symptoms are consistent with an overdose of levothyroxine.
C. Facial puffiness and constipation: These symptoms are indicative of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. They would not be expected with an excess of levothyroxine.
D. Hypotension and intolerance to cold: These are symptoms of hypothyroidism and would not typically occur with an excess of levothyroxine. Excess levothyroxine usually causes symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP): BNP levels are elevated in heart failure due to the heart's response to increased pressure and volume overload. This biomarker is used specifically to diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure.
B. Troponin I: This is a marker for myocardial injury and is used to diagnose acute myocardial infarction rather than heart failure.
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): While elevated BUN can be associated with renal dysfunction or fluid overload in heart failure, it is not specific to diagnosing heart failure.
D. Platelet levels: These are not directly related to diagnosing heart failure and do not provide information about cardiac function.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. They are more prone to hyperthermia and may require cooling measures: Hypothyroidism typically leads to hypothermia (lower body temperature) rather than hyperthermia. Clients with hypothyroidism are more likely to experience difficulty maintaining normal body temperature.
B. Their levothyroxine should be held for 3 days prior to and after the surgery: Levothyroxine should not be held before or after surgery without specific guidance from the healthcare provider. Maintaining consistent thyroid hormone levels is crucial for clients with hypothyroidism.
C. They are at risk of developing tachycardia and should be given propranolol: Hypothyroidism is more commonly associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate) rather than tachycardia (fast heart rate). Propranolol is used to manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
D. They are more sensitive to the effects of opioids and may require lower doses: Clients with hypothyroidism often have a reduced metabolic rate, which can increase their sensitivity to medications, including opioids. Therefore, they may require lower doses of opioids to avoid adverse effects.
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