The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism who has a new prescription for levothyroxine 50 mcg orally.
Which interventions will the nurse include in the plan of care? Select All That Apply.
Administer the medication in the morning with breakfast.
Monitor for chest pain or symptoms of angina.
Monitor prothrombin time for patients taking warfarin.
Stop the medication if patient has arrhythmias.
Decrease the dose of any sedative agents.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
Choice A rationale
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30-60 minutes before breakfast, to ensure proper absorption. Taking it with food can interfere with its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for chest pain or symptoms of angina is crucial as levothyroxine can increase the heart rate and potentially exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions, especially in elderly patients.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring prothrombin time is important for patients taking warfarin because levothyroxine can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Stopping levothyroxine abruptly can cause severe hypothyroid symptoms, so it should not be discontinued without consulting a healthcare provider.
Choice E rationale
Hypothyroidism patients are often more sensitive to sedatives, so reducing the dose of any sedative agents can prevent excessive sedation and other adverse effects. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Scheduling colonoscopy screening beginning at age 45 is an example of secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection of diseases in asymptomatic individuals. By identifying precancerous polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer, healthcare providers can intervene earlier, improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for signs of secondary malignancies is a part of tertiary prevention, which aims to manage and prevent complications in patients who already have a disease. It does not fit the criteria for secondary prevention, which focuses on early detection before symptoms appear.
Choice C rationale
Reducing consumption of processed meat and alcohol is a primary prevention strategy, aiming to lower the risk of developing cancer in the first place. Primary prevention focuses on preventing the onset of disease through lifestyle and environmental changes, rather than early detection and intervention.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding ultraviolet radiation with the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is also a primary prevention strategy. It aims to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to harmful UV rays, thereby lowering the risk of developing cancer from sun damage. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypoventilation and hypoglycemia are symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism rather than an indicator of effective levothyroxine treatment.
Choice B rationale
Angina and arrhythmias can occur if the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, indicating overmedication rather than effective treatment.
Choice C rationale
Weight gain is a sign of undertreated hypothyroidism and would indicate that the medication is not effective in managing the condition.
Choice D rationale
Normal body temperature and pulse rate indicate that levothyroxine is effectively managing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, as it restores metabolic function to normal levels. .
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