A nurse is providing education to a patient who has a new prescription for alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

Fever is not typically a sign of fluid overload. It’s more commonly associated with a transfusion reaction, which could indicate an immune response to the transfused blood.

Choice B rationale

Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can be a sign of fluid overload. When the body has too much fluid, it can put pressure on the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

Choice C rationale

Pruritus, or itching, is not typically a sign of fluid overload. It may be a sign of an allergic reaction to the transfusion.

Choice D rationale

Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically a sign of fluid overload. In fact, tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is more common as the heart works harder to pump the excess fluid.

Choice A rationale

The statement “Stop taking the medication if you feel drowsy” is incorrect. Drowsiness is not a common side effect of levothyroxine, and stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a rebound of hypothyroid symptoms.

Choice B rationale

The statement “Expect to take this medication for 4 to 6 weeks” is incorrect. Levothyroxine is typically a lifelong therapy for individuals with hypothyroidism, not a short-term treatment.

Choice C rationale

The statement “This medication may cause permanent hair loss” is incorrect. While hair loss can be a side effect of levothyroxine, it is usually temporary and resolves as the body adjusts to the medication.

Choice D rationale

Weighing oneself at the same time every day is a good practice when taking levothyroxine. This can help monitor for changes in weight, which could indicate that the dose of levothyroxine needs adjustment.