After administering propylthiouracil (PTU), what effect would the nurse anticipate the drug will have in the client’s body?

The correct answer is c. The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water.

Rationale for Choice A:

• Statement:The need to monitor for systemic side effects.
• Rationale:It's not accurate to prioritize monitoring for systemic side effects when teaching a patient about psyllium (Metamucil).Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative that primarily acts within the gastrointestinal tract,and systemic side effects are rare.While it's essential to be aware of potential side effects,focusing on them during initial teaching might cause unnecessary anxiety.

Rationale for Choice B:

• Statement:The need to use the dry form of Metamucil to prevent cramping.
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.It's generally recommended to mix psyllium with water or another liquid before ingestion.Consuming the dry form can increase the risk of choking and might not adequately hydrate stool.

Rationale for Choice C:

• Statement:The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water.
• Rationale:This is the most crucial information to emphasize when teaching about psyllium.Psyllium works by absorbing water and forming a bulky gel that softens stool and promotes bowel movements.Without sufficient water intake,psyllium can cause constipation to worsen or lead to intestinal obstruction.

Rationale for Choice D:

• Statement:The onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
• Rationale:This statement is inaccurate.Psyllium is not a fast-acting laxative.It typically takes 12-72 hours to produce a bowel movement.Informing patients about the expected time frame for results is essential to manage expectations and prevent unnecessary medication overuse.

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid drug that blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones by interfering with the oxidation of iodine and the coupling of iodotyrosines.

This reduces the levels of triiodothyronine (T) and thyroxine (T) in the blood and relieves the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Choice A is wrong because PTU does not destroy any part of the thyroid gland.

It only inhibits the production of thyroid hormones within the gland.

Choice B is wrong because PTU does not suppress the anterior pituitary gland’s secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

TSH is a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

PTU does not affect the feedback loop between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid glands.

Choice D is wrong because PTU does not suppress the hypothalamus’s production of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).

TRH is a hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete TSH.

PTU does not affect the feedback loop between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid glands.

Normal ranges for T are 80 to 220 ng/dL, for T are 4.5 to 11.2 mcg/dL, and for TSH are 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L.