A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for levothyroxine.
Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?
Serum potassium
Triiodothyronine
Blood urea nitrogen
Prothrombin time
The Correct Answer is B
Explanation B.Triiodothyronine
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of the thyroid hormone, in the body. Monitoring the levels of triiodothyronine (T3) can help assess the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy and ensure that the client's thyroid hormone levels are within the desired therapeutic range.
Serum potassium levels in (option A) should not be monitored because they are not directly affected by levothyroxine. However, imbalances in electrolytes can occur in some individuals with thyroid disorders. Electrolyte levels may be monitored, but it is not the primary focus of monitoring for levothyroxine therapy.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in (option C) should not be monitored because it is a test used to assess kidney function and is not directly related to monitoring levothyroxine therapy.
Prothrombin time (PT) in (option D) should not be monitored because it is a test used to evaluate the clotting function of the blood and is not specifically related to monitoring levothyroxine therapy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, and monitoring the TSH levels helps determine the effectiveness of the medication.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a test used to assess kidney function and is not specifically related to thyroid function or levothyroxine therapy.
Prothrombin time (PT) is a test used to evaluate the clotting ability of the blood and is not directly related to thyroid function or levothyroxine therapy.
Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are used to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and evaluate acid-base balance. ABGs are not specifically related to thyroid function or levothyroxine therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. It can have various manifestations, and one of the critical effects of hyperkalemia is its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heart rate. These arrhythmias can range from mild palpitations to more severe and life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.
Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. Hyperkalemia does not directly cause dry mucous membranes.
Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is characterized by carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic blood pressure for a few minutes.
Hyperactive reflexes are commonly seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain neurologic disorders. They are not directly related to hyperkalemia.
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