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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with shallow respirations and cyanosis indicates significant respiratory distress and inadequate oxygenation. The client's airway needs to be assessed and cleared to ensure a proper flow of air into the lungs. This can involve positioning the client appropriately, providing manual or mechanical assistance with ventilation, or using other airway management techniques as necessary.
While administering oxygen to the client and placing a pulse oximeter on the client's finger are important interventions to improve oxygenation and monitor oxygen saturation, they should not delay the immediate priority of establishing a patent airway.
Checking the client's pulse rate is also important and should be done in a timely manner, but it should not take precedence over ensuring a clear and open airway for the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should describe hyperactive bowel sounds as sounds that are loud, high-pitched, and increased in frequency and intensity. They are more frequent than the normal bowel sounds, with a rapid succession of sounds occurring at a rate greater than 5 to 30 sounds per minute.
Hyperactive bowel sounds can be heard in conditions such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and early mechanical bowel obstruction. They indicate increased bowel motility and are often associated with increased peristalsis.
To differentiate hyperactive bowel sounds from normal or hypoactive bowel sounds, the nurse can explain that hypoactive bowel sounds are decreased or absent sounds that occur when the bowel motility is decreased, such as in conditions like paralytic ileus or after abdominal surgery. Normal bowel sounds are typically soft, low-pitched, and occur at a rate of 5 to 30 sounds per minute.
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