The nurse is caring for a client with hypothyroidism who has a history of myocardial infarction and heart failure.
What thyroid replacement drug would the nurse expect to be ordered?
Levothyroxine.
Thyroid desiccated.
Methimazole.
Liothyronine.
The Correct Answer is A
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine, the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces. It is used to treat hypothyroidism by replacing the missing hormone and restoring the normal metabolism.
Some explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice B. Thyroid desiccated is a natural thyroid hormone derived from animal thyroid glands.
It contains both T4 and T3 hormones, which may cause side effects or complications in some people with hypothyroidism. It is not recommended as a first-line treatment for hypothyroidism.
• Choice C. Methimazole is an antithyroid drug that blocks the production of thyroid hormones.
It is used to treat hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Giving methimazole to someone with hypothyroidism would worsen their condition.
• Choice D. Liothyronine is a synthetic form of T3, the active thyroid hormone.
It is sometimes used in combination with levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism, but it is not a standard treatment. It has a shorter half-life and more variable effects than levothyroxine, and it may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias or osteoporosis.
Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but generally they are:
• TSH: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L
• Free T4: 0.8 to 2.0 ng/dL
• Free T3: 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs.
However, theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias if the blood level is too high.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the effects of theophylline and raise the risk of toxicity.
Therefore, patients taking theophylline should avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.
Choice A is wrong because eating foods high in potassium has no effect on theophylline metabolism or action.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, but it does not interact with theophylline.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the absorption of theophylline and cause gastric irritation.
Theophylline should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and prevent fluctuations in blood levels.
Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL a day can cause dehydration and increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood.
Theophylline
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
800 mg PO at bedtime is an appropriate dosage and frequency of cimetidine for the treatment of gastric ulcer. Cimetidine is a histamine H antagonist that reduces the secretion of gastric acid.
Choice B is wrong because 150 mg PO b.i.d. is too low of a dose for cimetidine. The usual adult dose for duodenal ulcer is 800 mg PO once a day at bedtime or 300 mg PO four times a day.
Choice C is wrong because 20 mg PO b.i.d. is not a valid dose for cimetidine.
The lowest available tablet strength is 100 mg.
Choice D is wrong because 300 mg PO at bedtime is also too low of a dose for cimetidine.
The usual adult dose for gastric ulcer is 800 mg PO once a day at bedtime or 300 mg PO four times a day.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today