A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism and has been taking levothyroxine for 2 months.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
"I am taking a laxative for constipation”
"I have noticed I'm not as cold as I use to be”
"I am losing weight without dieting”
"I seem to be sleeping more than usual”
The Correct Answer is B
Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone medicine used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)1.
It works by replacing thyroid hormone that is normally produced by the body.
Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism2, so if the client reports that they are not as cold as they used to be, it indicates that the medication is working and their hormone levels are returning to a healthy range.
Choice A is wrong because constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism2, so taking a laxative for constipation does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication.
Choice C is wrong because weight loss without dieting can be a side effect of taking too much levothyroxine.
Choice D is wrong because sleeping more than usual can be a symptom of hypothyroidism2, so it does not indicate a therapeutic response to the medication.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration if not enough fluids are consumed.
Oliguria, or decreased urine output, can be a sign of fluid volume deficit and dehydration.
Choice A is wrong because Weight gain, is not an indication of fluid volume deficit as weight loss is more commonly associated with dehydration.
Choice C is wrong because Headaches, can be a symptom of dehydration but is not specific to fluid volume deficit.
Choice D is wrong because Nausea, can also be a symptom of dehydration but is not specific to fluid volume deficit.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client for hypokalemia as an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide.
Hypokalemia refers to a low level of potassium in the blood.
Choice A is wrong because hypermagnesemia is not a commonly reported adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide.
Choice B is wrong because hypernatremia is not a commonly reported adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide.
Choice C is wrong because hypocalcemia is not a commonly reported adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide.
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