A patient has been prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. The patient inquires if the medication should be taken with food.
What would be the most appropriate response from the nurse?
Always consume this medication with food.
This medication should be taken with a glass of milk.
Consume this medication with juice and crackers.
This medication should be taken on an empty stomach.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale for Choice A:
It is not recommended to always consume levothyroxine with food. In fact, food can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, leading to decreased efficacy of the medication.
Consuming levothyroxine with food can decrease its absorption by up to 30%, which can significantly impact its ability to manage hypothyroidism symptoms.
Certain foods, such as those high in fiber, calcium, or iron, can be particularly problematic, as they can bind to levothyroxine in the gut and further reduce its absorption.
While taking levothyroxine with a small amount of food may be necessary for some individuals who experience gastrointestinal side effects, it's generally recommended to take it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
Rationale for Choice B:
Milk is not an ideal beverage to take with levothyroxine, as it can also interfere with absorption. Milk contains calcium, which can bind to levothyroxine and reduce its absorption.
It's best to avoid consuming milk or other calcium-rich beverages within a few hours of taking levothyroxine.
Rationale for Choice C:
Similar to milk, juice and crackers are not ideal choices to take with levothyroxine.
Juice, especially those high in acidity, can affect the absorption of levothyroxine in the gut.
Crackers, often made with refined grains, can be high in fiber, which can also interfere with absorption.
Rationale for Choice D:
Taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach, typically 30-60 minutes before breakfast, is generally recommended to ensure optimal absorption.
This allows the medication to be absorbed more efficiently in the small intestine without being affected by the presence of food.
By taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach, patients can maximize its effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication that is often used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. However, it is not the first-line drug for Torsades de Pointes. In fact, amiodarone can actually worsen QT prolongation and increase the risk of Torsades de Pointes.
It's important to note that amiodarone has a long half-life and can accumulate in the body over time, further increasing the risk of QT prolongation.
Additionally, amiodarone can have several serious side effects, including pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and liver damage.
Choice B rationale:
Lidocaine is another antiarrhythmic medication that is sometimes used to treat ventricular arrhythmias. However, it is also not the first-line drug for Torsades de Pointes.
Lidocaine is less likely to worsen QT prolongation than amiodarone, but it can still have this effect in some patients.
Additionally, lidocaine has a short half-life and must be given as a continuous infusion, which can be challenging in a critical care setting.
Choice C rationale:
Atropine is a medication that is used to increase heart rate. It is not effective in treating Torsades de Pointes and is not indicated in this situation.
Atropine works by blocking the vagus nerve, which slows heart rate. In Torsades de Pointes, the heart rate is already very fast, so atropine would not be helpful.
Additionally, atropine can have several side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
Choice D rationale:
Magnesium sulfate is the first-line drug for treating Torsades de Pointes. It works by stabilizing the electrical activity of the heart and preventing further episodes of arrhythmia.
Magnesium sulfate is a relatively safe medication with few side effects. It can be given as an intravenous infusion or as an intramuscular injection.
Studies have shown that magnesium sulfate is effective in terminating Torsades de Pointes and preventing recurrences.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Mixing insulins in a vial is generally not recommended unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider. It can alter the effectiveness of the insulins and increase the risk of dosage errors.
Premixed insulins, which are already combined in a specific ratio, are available if a combination of insulins is needed.
However, in this case, the patient is instructed to administer regular and NPH insulin separately, indicating that they should not be mixed in a vial.
Choice B rationale:
Insulin can be injected into various subcutaneous sites, including the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks.
There is no specific requirement to inject mixed insulin into the buttocks only.
The choice of injection site can be based on individual preferences, absorption rates, and the presence of lipohypertrophy (thickening of the subcutaneous tissue due to repeated injections).
Choice C rationale:
Drawing up NPH insulin first could lead to contamination of the regular insulin vial with NPH insulin.
NPH insulin is a suspension, and drawing it up first could introduce some of its particles into the regular insulin vial, potentially altering its absorption and action profile.
Choice D rationale:
It's crucial to draw up the regular insulin first to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with NPH insulin. The following steps outline the correct procedure:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Inspect the insulin vials for clarity, expiration date, and any damage.
Roll the NPH insulin vial gently between the palms to resuspend the insulin particles (if applicable). Wipe the rubber stoppers of both vials with an alcohol swab.
Using a sterile syringe, withdraw air into the syringe equal to the amount of regular insulin to be drawn.
Inject the air into the regular insulin vial, keeping the needle tip above the fluid level to avoid creating bubbles. Invert the regular insulin vial and withdraw the prescribed dose of regular insulin.
Without injecting air into the NPH insulin vial, withdraw the prescribed dose of NPH insulin. Administer the insulin as directed, using proper injection technique.
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.