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
Choice A is wrong because tetraiodothyronine is another name for thyroxine (T), which is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the anterior pituitary gland.14
Choice C is wrong because triiodothyronine (T) is also a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the anterior pituitary gland.14
Normal ranges for TSH are 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, for T are 100 to 200 ng/dL, and for T are 4.5 to 11.2 mcg/dL.1
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Metoclopramide is a medication that increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract and speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. It is used to treat gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) in people with diabetes, which can cause heartburn and stomach discomfort after meals.
Choice A is wrong because impaction is a condition where a large mass of dry, hard stool becomes stuck in the rectum and cannot be passed.
Metoclopramide does not treat impaction, but laxatives or enemas may be used instead.
Choice C is wrong because encopresis is a condition where a child over the age of 4 has involuntary bowel movements, usually due to chronic constipation.
Metoclopramide does not treat encopresis, but behavioral therapy, laxatives, or dietary changes may be used instead.
Choice D is wrong because metoclopramide is not used for clients requiring diagnostic procedures involving the stomach or intestines.
However, it may be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.
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