A client is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is prescribed. The nurse who plans to teach this client about the medication should include that the appropriate method for taking the medication is:
With food
With milk
On an empty stomach
With fruit juice
The Correct Answer is C
A. With food: Levothyroxine should not be taken with food because it can interfere with the absorption of the medication. Food, especially high-fiber meals, can reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine.
B. With milk: Milk contains calcium, which is known to interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Taking the medication with milk would reduce its effectiveness and could necessitate a higher dose, or lead to fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels.
C. On an empty stomach: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything, except water, to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.
D. With fruit juice: Fruit juice is not ideal for taking levothyroxine, as it can also affect absorption, especially grapefruit juice. It is best to take the medication with water only.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypoparathyroidism: Hypoparathyroidism presents with low calcium levels and symptoms like muscle cramps, tetany, or numbness around the mouth and in the extremities. It is not associated with flushed skin, bulging eyes, or irritability.
B. Cushing's Disease: Cushing's disease is caused by excessive levels of cortisol. Symptoms include weight gain, moon face, buffalo hump, and hypertension. The findings described, such as flushed skin, bulging eyes, and irritability, are not characteristic of Cushing's disease.
C. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation, not flushed skin, bulging eyes, or irritability. The symptoms described are not typical of an underactive thyroid.
D. Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism (often associated with Graves' disease) presents with flushed skin, irritability, palpitations, bulging eyes (exophthalmos), and perspiration due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Abdomen: The abdomen has the fastest and most consistent absorption rate for subcutaneous insulin due to its rich blood supply and less subcutaneous fat. This rapid absorption is often desirable to achieve faster and more predictable absorption.
B. Hips: The hips (or buttocks) have a slower absorption rate compared to the abdomen and are not the preferred site for insulin injection due to the relatively lower blood flow in this area.
C. Thighs: Insulin injected into the thighs also has a slower absorption rate compared to the abdomen. This area is typically used for insulin injections when other sites need to be rotated but is not the fastest for absorption.
D. Arms: The arms (specifically the posterior upper arm) provide a good site for insulin injection, with absorption generally being faster than from the thighs or hips but still slower than from the abdomen. It's a useful site for rotation but not the quickest for absorption.
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