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 B
Explanation
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen, such as penicillin.
One of the symptoms of anaphylaxis is wheezing, which is caused by the constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat.
Choice A is wrong because hypertonia (increased muscle tone) is not a known symptom of anaphylaxis.
Choice C is wrong because urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder) is not a known symptom of anaphylaxis.
Choice D is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a known symptom of anaphylaxis; in fact, anaphylaxis can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B.
Choice A rationale:
Documenting the administration of the medication is crucial for maintaining accurate records and ensuring accountability. However, it is not the first action to take. The priority is to ensure the correct patient receives the correct medication.
Choice B rationale:
Identifying the client using two identifiers is the first and most critical step. This action ensures that the right patient receives the right medication, thereby minimizing the risk of medication errors.
Choice C rationale:
Comparing the amount of medication available to the inventory record is important for maintaining accurate inventory and preventing misuse or theft of controlled substances. However, this is not the first step in the process of administering medication to a patient in pain.
Choice D rationale:
Removing the medication from the medication dispensing cabinet is part of the process, but it should only be done after the patient has been properly identified to avoid any potential errors.
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