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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and help prevent harmful clots from forming in blood vessels.
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a laboratory test commonly used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy.
An aPTT value of 90 seconds is above the therapeutic range and indicates that the heparin infusion rate should be decreased.
Choice A is wrong because Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 18 mm/hr, is not the correct answer because it is not used to monitor heparin therapy.
Choice C is wrong because INR.2, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for INR values and is not used to monitor heparin therapy.
Choice D is wrong because Platelets 350,000/mm, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for platelet counts and is not used to monitor heparin therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the blood.
It is important for clients taking spironolactone to limit their intake of potassium-rich foods to prevent hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Choice B is wrong because “I will take the medication on an empty stomach,” is not the correct answer because spironolactone can be taken with or without food.
Choice C is wrong because “I will use salt substitutes in place of table salt,” is not the correct answer because many salt substitutes contain potassium and can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Choice D is wrong because “I will double up on my medication if I miss a dose,” is not the correct answer because it is not recommended to double up on medication if a dose is missed.
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