A nurse is teaching about levothyroxine with a client who has primary hypothyroidism. Which of the following statements should the nurse use when teaching the client?
Symptoms improve immediately after starting the medication
The medication decreases the overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine
Take this medication until your symptoms are gone and then discontinue
Tremors, nervousness, and insomnia may indicate your dose is too high
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Levothyroxine takes weeks to normalize metabolism in hypothyroidism as T4 converts to T3 gradually, so immediate symptom relief isn’t accurate or expected.
Choice B reason: Levothyroxine supplements, not decreases, thyroxine in hypothyroidism. Decreasing overproduction applies to hyperthyroidism treatments like antithyroid drugs, not this condition.
Choice C reason: Hypothyroidism requires lifelong levothyroxine since the thyroid can’t produce hormone. Stopping when symptoms resolve risks recurrence, making this advice incorrect.
Choice D reason: Excess levothyroxine mimics hyperthyroidism, causing tremors, nervousness, and insomnia from overstimulated metabolism, correctly indicating a need for dose adjustment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: 1 tablet (50 mcg) provides half the 100 mcg dose, insufficient for hypothyroidism treatment, underdosing the required thyroid hormone replacement level.
Choice B reason: 2 tablets (50 mcg each) equal 100 mcg, matching the prescribed dose, ensuring adequate T4 replacement for hypothyroidism’s metabolic needs daily.
Choice C reason: 3 tablets (150 mcg) exceed the 100 mcg dose, risking hyperthyroidism symptoms like tachycardia or nervousness from excessive thyroid hormone administration.
Choice D reason: 4 tablets (200 mcg) grossly overdose the 100 mcg requirement, potentially causing severe thyrotoxicosis, disrupting metabolism and cardiac function dangerously.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Radioactive iodine treats hyperthyroidism by destroying thyroid tissue, reducing hormone production. It’s contraindicated in hypothyroidism, where hormone replacement is needed instead.
Choice B reason: Sumatriptan, a serotonin agonist, treats migraines by constricting blood vessels. It has no role in hypothyroidism, which requires thyroid hormone supplementation.
Choice C reason: Levothyroxine replaces deficient thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism, normalizing metabolism by mimicking T4, addressing symptoms like fatigue and weight gain effectively.
Choice D reason: Levofloxacin, an antibiotic, fights bacterial infections but doesn’t address hypothyroidism’s hormonal deficiency, making it irrelevant to this condition’s treatment.
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.
