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 D
Explanation
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, steri-strips or adhesive strips are commonly placed over the small incisions. The client should keep the steri-strips in place until they fall off on their own or until they are removed by the healthcare provider during a follow-up visit. Removing the steri-strips prematurely can increase the risk of infection or disrupt the healing process.
"I should eat a high-fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important for the client to follow a low-fat diet initially to allow the body time to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can be more difficult to digest and may cause digestive discomfort. Gradually introducing small amounts of fat back into the diet is recommended, but a high-fat diet is not appropriate.
"I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": While changes in bowel movements can occur after a cholecystectomy, such as looser stools or changes in frequency, persistent diarrhea is not expected or normal. If the client experiences persistent diarrhea, they should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
"I should expect to have nausea for several days": While some clients may experience mild nausea or discomfort after the surgery, it should generally improve within a few days. If the client experiences persistent or severe nausea, they should contact their healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Furosemide works by promoting diuresis, which helps to reduce fluid volume overload in heart failure. Increased urinary output indicates that the medication is effectively removing excess fluid from the body. This can help alleviate symptoms such as edema and fluid retention commonly associated with heart failure. Therefore, an increased urinary output is a positive response to furosemide therapy in this context.
Decreased BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels and weight loss are also expected outcomes of diuretic therapy, further indicating the effectiveness of the medication. However, a decreased hemoglobin level is not directly related to the efficacy of furosemide and might be indicative of other factors such as anemia or bleeding, requiring further assessment and intervention.
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