A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for levothyroxine.
Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?
Serum potassium
Triiodothyronine
Blood urea nitrogen
Prothrombin time
The Correct Answer is B
Explanation B.Triiodothyronine
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of the thyroid hormone, in the body. Monitoring the levels of triiodothyronine (T3) can help assess the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy and ensure that the client's thyroid hormone levels are within the desired therapeutic range.
Serum potassium levels in (option A) should not be monitored because they are not directly affected by levothyroxine. However, imbalances in electrolytes can occur in some individuals with thyroid disorders. Electrolyte levels may be monitored, but it is not the primary focus of monitoring for levothyroxine therapy.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in (option C) should not be monitored because it is a test used to assess kidney function and is not directly related to monitoring levothyroxine therapy.
Prothrombin time (PT) in (option D) should not be monitored because it is a test used to evaluate the clotting function of the blood and is not specifically related to monitoring levothyroxine therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Fluid overload refers to an excess volume of fluid in the body, which can occur as a result of various factors, including excessive fluid intake or inadequate fluid removal. Crackles heard in the lungs, also known as rales, can indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema. It is a common manifestation of fluid overload and can be detected through auscultation of the lungs.
Weight loss is typically associated with inadequate calorie or nutrient intake, rather than fluid overload.
Weight loss is typically associated with inadequate calorie or nutrient intake, rather than fluid overload.
Weight loss is typically associated with inadequate calorie or nutrient intake, rather than fluid overload.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This step is part of the process when mixing NPH and regular insulin in a single syringe. After injecting air into the NPH insulin vial, you should inject an equal amount of air (in this case, 15 units) into the regular insulin vial to maintain pressure balance. This allows for easy withdrawal of the prescribed doses of each insulin type in the same syringe without causing a vacuum in the vials.
After injecting air into the NPH insulin vial (step 1), the nurse should proceed to inject air into the regular insulin vial (step 2) before withdrawing the insulin doses in the subsequent steps.
Verifying the dosage with another nurse is not necessary in this step, as it is done prior to drawing up the insulin. However, it is good practice to have another nurse double-check the dosage before administration.
Injecting air into the regular insulin vial is not required at this stage. It is only necessary when withdrawing the regular insulin dose.
Placing the cap over the needle should be done after withdrawing the desired dose of insulin and before administering it to the client for safety and to prevent needlestick injuries.
The correct sequence when mixing NPH and regular insulin in a single syringe is as follows:
- Inject air into the NPH insulin vial (in this case, 10 units of air).
- Inject air into the regular insulin vial (in this case, 15 units of air).
- Withdraw the prescribed dose of NPH insulin (10 units) from the NPH vial.
- Withdraw the prescribed dose of regular insulin (15 units) from the regular insulin vial.
So, after injecting air into the NPH insulin vial (step 1), the nurse should proceed to inject air into the regular insulin vial (step 2) before withdrawing the insulin doses in the subsequent steps.
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