A client has been having a hard time keeping their thyroid levels therapeutic while taking levothyroxine. So the prescriber orders the client to only take the brand name Synthroid. The patient asks what difference this will make. What's the nurse's best response?
Generic medications can include different binding ingredients which may affect drug levels in some people.
There is less regulation with generic medications.
Honestly, it makes no difference, the doctor just gets more money when you buy the brand name.
Brand name drugs are always better because they are made by major pharmaceutical companies.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement is true. The nurse's best response is to explain that generic medications can have different inactive ingredients, such as fillers, binders, or colors, which may affect how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, or excreted in the body. This can result in variations in the drug levels and effects in some people. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that requires precise dosing and monitoring to achieve therapeutic levels and avoid adverse effects. Therefore, the prescriber may prefer the client to take the brand name Synthroid, which has a consistent formulation and quality.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that there is less regulation with generic medications, as this is not true. Generic medications are required to meet the same standards of safety, efficacy, and quality as brand name drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They must also have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand name drug.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that it makes no difference, the doctor just gets more money when you buy the brand name, as this is not true and unethical. The doctor does not get any financial benefit from prescribing the brand name drug, and the client may pay more for the brand name drug than the generic one. The doctor may have a valid reason for preferring the brand name drug, such as the client's response, preference, or allergy.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that brand name drugs are always better because they are made by major pharmaceutical companies, as this is not true and biased. Brand name drugs are not necessarily better than generic drugs, as they have the same active ingredient and therapeutic effect. However, some brand name drugs may have advantages over generic drugs, such as patent protection, innovation, or formulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not delay the administration of digoxin based on the heart rate alone, unless it is below 60 beats per minute. The nurse should also consider the serum potassium level, which is low in this case and increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD, as the client has a low potassium level, which can potentiate the effects of digoxin and cause arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. The MD may order a serum digoxin level, potassium supplementation, or a dose adjustment.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to call the prescriber and ask for a chest x-ray, as this is not relevant to the digoxin order. A chest x-ray may be indicated to assess the severity of heart failure, but it does not affect the decision to administer digoxin.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not give the digoxin as ordered, as the client has a low potassium level, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should hold the digoxin and call the MD for further instructions..
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. The client does not need to wear light clothing or avoid hot showers after receiving radioactive iodine. However, the client should avoid close contact with others, especially children and pregnant women, for a few days to prevent radiation exposure.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. The procedure is unlikely to leave the client infertile, as the dose of radioactive iodine is low and does not affect the reproductive organs. However, the client should avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after the procedure, as a precaution.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The client does not need to avoid caffeinated beverages after receiving radioactive iodine. However, the client should drink plenty of fluids to flush out the excess iodine from the body.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. The procedure is very likely to cause hypothyroidism, as the radioactive iodine destroys the thyroid cells that produce thyroid hormones. The client will need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their life to prevent symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.
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