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 C
Explanation
The nurse should question an order for bismuth salts for a client with an allergy to aspirin because bismuth salts contain salicylates, which are chemically related to aspirin and can cause allergic reactions.
Choice A is wrong because rheumatoid arthritis is not a contraindication for bismuth salts.
Bismuth salts may have anti-inflammatory effects that could benefit clients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Choice B is wrong because viral gastroenteritis is not a contraindication for bismuth salts.
Bismuth salts may help reduce diarrhea and inflammation caused by viral gastroenteritis.
Choice D is wrong because hypertension is not a contraindication for bismuth salts.
Bismuth salts do not affect blood pressure or interact with antihypertensive medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is an antithyroid medication that can be used safely during pregnancy, as it has a lower risk of causing birth defects or fetal hypothyroidism than other drugs. Propylthiouracil inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones and also blocks their conversion to the more active form.
Choice A is wrong because radioactive iodine is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can cross the placenta and damage the fetal thyroid gland.
Radioactive iodine is used to destroy overactive thyroid cells and treat hyperthyroidism.
Choice B is wrong because alendronate is not an antithyroid medication, but a bisphosphonate that is used to treat osteoporosis and prevent bone loss.
Alendronate should not be used during pregnancy, as it may affect fetal bone development and mineralization.
Choice D is wrong because methimazole is another antithyroid medication, but it is not the drug of choice for pregnant women, as it has a higher risk of causing birth defects or fetal hypothyroidism than propylthiouracil.
Methimazole also inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones, but does not block their conversion to the more active form.
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