A patient has received a new prescription for levothyroxine.
Which statement made by the patient indicates that the education was effective?
Avoid the use of iron supplements.
Consume foods that are high in iodine.
Take medication on an empty stomach.
Administer levothyroxine at bedtime.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, reducing its effectiveness. However, this doesn’t mean that iron should be completely avoided. It’s generally recommended to take iron supplements and levothyroxine at different times of the day.
Choice B rationale
While iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones, consuming foods high in iodine doesn’t necessarily improve the effectiveness of levothyroxine. In fact, excessive iodine intake can sometimes cause or worsen hypothyroidism.
Choice C rationale
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast. This allows for optimal absorption of the medication.
Choice D rationale
Although it’s not harmful to take levothyroxine at bedtime, studies suggest that taking it on an empty stomach in the morning may allow for better absorption.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is a condition that should be reported to the healthcare provider before administering phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It works by shrinking swollen nasal mucous membranes, which relieves nasal congestion. However, it can cause a rise in blood pressure, which could be dangerous for patients with hypertension.
Choice B rationale
Bronchitis is not a contraindication for phenylephrine. However, if the patient has a chronic respiratory condition like bronchitis, it’s always a good idea to discuss any new medications with the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
Diarrhea is not a contraindication for phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is not known to cause or worsen diarrhea.
Choice D rationale
Edema is not a contraindication for phenylephrine. However, if the patient has a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, which can sometimes cause edema, they should inform their healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While changes in stool color and character can be indicative of various health conditions, they are not the best indicators of a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
Fingerstick glucose monitoring is important in managing conditions like diabetes, but it does not provide the best information to evaluate a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice C rationale
Lactulose is used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur in patients with severe liver disease. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction. Therefore, monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose therapy.
Choice D rationale
While monitoring serum hepatic enzymes can provide valuable information about liver function, it does not provide the best information to evaluate a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.
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