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 C
Explanation
A. Mucositis and diarrhea are side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy but are not directly related to myelosuppression. These symptoms are due to the impact of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells in the gastrointestinal tract.
B. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, primarily due to the treatment's impact on the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.
C. Fever and chills are manifestations directly related to myelosuppression. Myelosuppression leads to a decrease in white blood cells (leukocytes), which compromises the immune system. This increased susceptibility to infection can result in symptoms such as fever and chills. These symptoms are indicative of potential infections or sepsis, which are more common in patients with compromised immune systems due to myelosuppression.
D. Alopecia (hair loss) and weight loss are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they are not directly related to myelosuppression. Alopecia results from the effects of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing hair follicle cells, while weight loss can be a consequence of changes in metabolism or appetite due to chemotherapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Casts in the urine are typically associated with kidney problems, such as glomerulonephritis or kidney infections, rather than biliary obstruction. Casts are formed from proteins or cells in the renal tubules and are not related to bile duct obstruction or cholelithiasis.
B. Dark, tarry stools are indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the presence of digested blood in the stool. This condition, known as melena, is not typically associated with obstruction of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis.
C. Jaundice is a common and significant finding in cases of obstruction of the common bile duct due to cholelithiasis. When the bile duct is obstructed, bilirubin, which is a component of bile, accumulates in the bloodstream because it cannot be properly excreted into the intestine.
D. Pain from cholelithiasis (gallstones) typically occurs in the right upper quadrant, not the left. The right upper quadrant pain is often associated with gallbladder inflammation or bile duct obstruction.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.