A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has been on levothyroxine for several months. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
Increased energy levels
Increase in weight
Decrease in level of thyroxine (T4)
Reduction of appetite
The Correct Answer is A
A. Increased energy levels are a common and positive sign of therapeutic response to levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism often leads to fatigue and low energy. When levothyroxine is effective, it helps normalize thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels and a reduction in symptoms like fatigue and lethargy.
B. An increase in weight is not a desired outcome of levothyroxine therapy. In hypothyroidism, weight gain is a common symptom due to slowed metabolism. Successful levothyroxine treatment should help stabilize or reduce weight if it was previously increased due to hypothyroidism. An increase in weight could indicate that the dose of levothyroxine needs adjustment or that other factors are influencing the patient's weight.
C. A decrease in the level of thyroxine (T4) would not typically indicate a therapeutic response to levothyroxine. In fact, the goal of treatment is to normalize T4 levels, so they should be within the normal reference range. An adequate dose of levothyroxine should result in normal or near-normal T4 levels, not a decrease below the normal range.
D. A reduction in appetite is not a common or specific indicator of a therapeutic response to levothyroxine. While levothyroxine can help normalize metabolism and other symptoms of hypothyroidism, a reduction in appetite is not a typical outcome of effective therapy. Appetite changes are not usually used to gauge the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This blood pressure and heart rate are within normal ranges for most patients. For example, a blood pressure of 132/60 mmHg is slightly elevated on the systolic side but not critically so, and a heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range (60-100 beats per minute).
B. Continuous bladder irrigation is used to prevent clots and debris from obstructing the urinary tract after a TURP. If the output from the Foley catheter has stopped, it may indicate a blockage or clot in the catheter or bladder, which can lead to bladder distension, discomfort, and potential kidney damage.
Immediate reporting to the provider is crucial because this could indicate a severe complication.
C. Pain levels are subjective, and a pain level of 5/10 indicates moderate discomfort. While pain management is important, a pain level of 5/10 is not unusual after TURP, and it can often be managed with appropriate pain relief measures.
D. Pink-colored urine is not uncommon immediately following a TURP as a result of bleeding or irritation from the procedure. This finding can be expected and may not indicate an immediate complication.
However, if the urine color changes to bright red or if there is a significant increase in blood, it could be more concerning.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. AMD affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision and fine detail. As the condition progresses, patients often experience a gradual loss of central vision, which can make it difficult to read, recognize faces, and perform tasks that require sharp vision. Distortion of straight lines (metamorphopsia) is also common, where straight lines may appear wavy or bent.
B. Floaters and flashes of light are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the vitreous body of the eye or retinal detachment, rather than AMD. These symptoms can occur due to changes in the vitreous gel or as a result of other retinal issues, but they are not the primary symptoms of AMD.
C. Cloudy vision and glare are typically associated with cataracts, not AMD. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. AMD does not cause the lens to cloud, so these symptoms are not characteristic of AMD.
D. Loss of peripheral vision is more characteristic of glaucoma rather than AMD. AMD primarily affects central vision, leaving peripheral vision relatively intact until the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Glaucoma, on the other hand, often leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision.
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