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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Erythromycin ointment does not have moisturizing properties. Its primary function is to act as an antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections.
While it may have a slightly lubricating effect due to its ointment base, this is not its intended purpose.
If moisture is the primary goal, artificial tears or other ophthalmic lubricants would be more appropriate choices.
Choice B rationale:
Chemical conjunctivitis is typically caused by irritants such as chlorine, smoke, or chemicals, not bacteria. Erythromycin is not effective in preventing or treating chemical conjunctivitis.
Treatment for chemical conjunctivitis usually involves flushing the eyes with saline or water and applying cool compresses, as well as potentially using topical antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
Erythromycin ointment is not typically used to treat active eye infections in newborns.
While it can be used for this purpose in certain cases, it is more commonly used as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections from developing in the first place.
If a newborn has a suspected eye infection, a healthcare provider would likely collect a sample of discharge for testing and culture to determine the specific causative organism and select the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Choice C rationale:
The primary purpose of applying erythromycin ointment to a newborn's eyes is to prevent bacterial eye infections, specifically ophthalmia neonatorum.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
It is most commonly caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted to the newborn during childbirth if the mother is infected.
Erythromycin ointment is effective in preventing these infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of these bacteria. It is typically applied to the newborn's eyes within 1 hour of birth as a standard practice in many countries.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Requesting an order for morphine sulfate IV 2 mg over 1-5 minutes would not be appropriate at this time for several reasons: The patient has already received a dose of 4 mg 15 minutes ago, and it has not been effective in relieving the chest pain.
The patient is showing signs of increased respiratory effort, which could be a sign of respiratory depression. Administering an additional dose of morphine could worsen the respiratory depression.
The patient's heart rate is 82 beats per minute, which is within the normal range.
The patient's blood pressure is 135/88 mm Hg, which is also within the normal range.
Choice C rationale:
Administering naloxone (Narcan) to counteract respiratory depression would not be appropriate at this time because the patient is not showing signs of severe respiratory depression. Naloxone is a medication that is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is typically only used in situations where the patient is experiencing life-threatening respiratory depression.
Choice D rationale:
Administering morphine sulfate IV 4 mg over 1-5 minutes would not be appropriate for the reasons listed above. It could worsen the patient's respiratory depression and potentially lead to other complications.
Choice B is the best answer because it is the most conservative and safest option. By withholding the next dose of morphine and informing the provider about the patient's symptoms, the nurse can ensure that the patient receives the appropriate care and that any potential complications are avoided.
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