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 A
Explanation
A. This statement is incorrect because many chronic illnesses are not curable. The goal of care for chronic illnesses is often to manage the condition, improve quality of life, and prevent complications, rather than achieving a complete cure.
B. This statement is accurate. Managing a chronic illness often requires significant time and effort, including medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and regular medical appointments.
C. The trajectory of a chronic illness can vary greatly between individuals, even those with the same condition. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and access to care can influence the course of the illness.
D. This statement is accurate. Educating the client and caregiver about the prescribed treatment plan is essential for optimal management of chronic illnesses. This includes understanding medication dosages, side effects, and lifestyle modifications.
Correct Answer is ["0.4"]
Explanation
Volume to administer = (Desired Dose) / (Concentration of available medication). The desired dose is 2,000 units, and the concentration available is 5,000 units/mL. Using the formula, you get 2,000 units / 5,000 units/mL = 0.4 mL.
Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.4 mL of heparin injection to deliver a dose of 2,000 units.
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