A nurse is caring for four clients for whom she has to administer oral medications in the morning. The nurse should administer which of the following medications before breakfast?

A. Levothyroxine

Correct Answer: Levothyroxine should be administered before breakfast.

Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It needs to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, to ensure proper absorption. Food can interfere with its absorption, especially foods containing calcium, iron, and fiber.

B. Digoxin

Incorrect Explanation: Digoxin does not need to be administered before breakfast.

Explanation: Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions like congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It doesn't have specific instructions regarding administration in relation to meals. It's important to administer digoxin consistently at the same time every day, but it doesn't need to be taken specifically before or after breakfast.

C. Divalproex

Incorrect Explanation: Divalproex does not need to be administered before breakfast.

Explanation: Divalproex is used to treat conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It can be taken with or without food. While taking it with food might reduce the likelihood of stomach upset, there's no requirement to take it specifically before breakfast.

D. Mycostatin Mouthwash

Incorrect Explanation: Mycostatin mouthwash is not related to breakfast timing.

Explanation: Mycostatin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush). Its administration is not linked to meal times. It's typically swished around in the mouth and then swallowed or spit out, depending on the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

A. Always infantize the child

Incorrect Explanation: "Infantizing" a child with a growth hormone deficiency is not a relevant or appropriate approach.

Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency is a medical condition that affects a child's growth. Treating the child as an infant could potentially have negative psychological and social effects. It's important to provide appropriate support and understanding without treating the child differently due to their medical condition.

B. Monitor for leukemia

Incorrect Explanation: Monitoring for leukemia is not directly related to growth hormone deficiency.

Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency primarily affects a child's growth and development due to inadequate production of growth hormone. While there might be certain health concerns associated with the condition, monitoring for leukemia is not a common aspect of managing growth hormone deficiency.

C. Help the parents set realistic goals based on the child's age and abilities

Correct Explanation: This is an important aspect to include in teaching.

Explanation: When a child is diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, it's crucial for parents to set realistic expectations regarding their child's growth. Growth hormone therapy can help, but it's essential to understand that the child's growth might still differ from their peers. Setting realistic goals based on the child's age and abilities can help manage expectations and provide appropriate support.

D. This illness is only seen in males

Incorrect Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency is not limited to males.

Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency can affect individuals of any gender. It is not exclusive to males. The condition results from insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, and it can occur in both males and females.