A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has been on levothyroxine for several months. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
Increased energy levels
Increase in weight
Decrease in level of thyroxine (T4)
Reduction of appetite
The Correct Answer is A
A. Increased energy levels are a common and positive sign of therapeutic response to levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism often leads to fatigue and low energy. When levothyroxine is effective, it helps normalize thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels and a reduction in symptoms like fatigue and lethargy.
B. An increase in weight is not a desired outcome of levothyroxine therapy. In hypothyroidism, weight gain is a common symptom due to slowed metabolism. Successful levothyroxine treatment should help stabilize or reduce weight if it was previously increased due to hypothyroidism. An increase in weight could indicate that the dose of levothyroxine needs adjustment or that other factors are influencing the patient's weight.
C. A decrease in the level of thyroxine (T4) would not typically indicate a therapeutic response to levothyroxine. In fact, the goal of treatment is to normalize T4 levels, so they should be within the normal reference range. An adequate dose of levothyroxine should result in normal or near-normal T4 levels, not a decrease below the normal range.
D. A reduction in appetite is not a common or specific indicator of a therapeutic response to levothyroxine. While levothyroxine can help normalize metabolism and other symptoms of hypothyroidism, a reduction in appetite is not a typical outcome of effective therapy. Appetite changes are not usually used to gauge the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This statement is relevant to the patient's health but does not indicate a need for further action by the nurse. Omeprazole is a common medication for acid reflux.
B. This statement is appropriate for patients with asthma. Fluticasone is a maintenance inhaler used to prevent asthma attacks, and taking it regularly as prescribed is important.
C. This statement is correct. Albuterol is a quick-relief inhaler used to treat asthma attacks.
D. This statement indicates a potential interaction with the patient's asthma medications. Beta-blockers like metoprolol can worsen asthma symptoms in some patients. The nurse should discuss this with the patient's doctor to determine if the benefits of metoprolol outweigh the risks for this individual.
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
A. Atorvastatin is a statin used primarily to manage hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels) and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, it is not specifically used to treat heart failure symptoms or manage acute exacerbations.
B. Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used to manage heart failure. It helps reduce fluid overload by promoting diuresis (increased urine production), which can help alleviate symptoms of heart failure such as edema and pulmonary congestion.
C. Methimazole is an antithyroid medication used to manage hyperthyroidism. It is not used to treat heart failure. Thyroid disorders can impact heart failure, but methimazole itself does not address the acute symptoms or underlying mechanisms of heart failure.
D. Apixaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation. However, it is not used specifically to manage acute heart failure symptoms.
E. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can be used to manage heart failure, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation. It helps improve cardiac output and control heart rate. Digoxin can be useful in managing heart failure symptoms by enhancing the heart's contractility and controlling the heart rate.
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