A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism and has been taking levothyroxine for 2 months.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
"I am taking a laxative for constipation”
"I have noticed I'm not as cold as I use to be”
"I am losing weight without dieting”
"I seem to be sleeping more than usual”
The Correct Answer is B
Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone medicine used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)1.
It works by replacing thyroid hormone that is normally produced by the body.
Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism2, so if the client reports that they are not as cold as they used to be, it indicates that the medication is working and their hormone levels are returning to a healthy range.
Choice A is wrong because constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism2, so taking a laxative for constipation does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication.
Choice C is wrong because weight loss without dieting can be a side effect of taking too much levothyroxine.
Choice D is wrong because sleeping more than usual can be a symptom of hypothyroidism2, so it does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Increased pulse rate.
An aPTT of 90 seconds is much higher than the normal range of 30-40 seconds, which means the blood takes longer to clot and the client is at risk of bleeding. An increased pulse rate is a sign of blood loss and shock.
Choice B is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a sign of bleeding, but rather a sign of hypertension or stress.
Choice C is wrong because decreased temperature is not a sign of bleeding, but rather a sign of hypothermia or infection.
Choice D is wrong because decreased respiratory rate is not a sign of bleeding, but rather a sign of respiratory depression or sedation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. "I should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication."
Choice A rationale:
Black stools are a common side effect of iron supplements and do not usually require notification of the provider unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Iron supplements should not be taken with milk because calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its effectiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Staying upright for at least 15 minutes after taking ferrous gluconate helps prevent the risk of esophageal irritation or discomfort, which indicates the client's correct understanding of this key instruction.
Choice D rationale:
Taking an antacid with ferrous gluconate is not recommended because antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its efficacy.
Choice E rationale:
This is the same as Choice D and also incorrect for the same reason regarding the interaction between antacids and iron absorption.
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