An older adult client with hypothyroidism has been prescribed levothyroxine. What instructions should the nurse provide?
Stop taking the medication if you feel drowsy.
Expect to take this medication for 4 to 6 weeks.
This medication may cause permanent hair loss.
Weigh yourself at the same time every day.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
The statement “Stop taking the medication if you feel drowsy” is incorrect. Drowsiness is not a common side effect of levothyroxine, and stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a rebound of hypothyroid symptoms.
Choice B rationale
The statement “Expect to take this medication for 4 to 6 weeks” is incorrect. Levothyroxine is typically a lifelong therapy for individuals with hypothyroidism, not a short-term treatment.
Choice C rationale
The statement “This medication may cause permanent hair loss” is incorrect. While hair loss can be a side effect of levothyroxine, it is usually temporary and resolves as the body adjusts to the medication.
Choice D rationale
Weighing oneself at the same time every day is a good practice when taking levothyroxine. This can help monitor for changes in weight, which could indicate that the dose of levothyroxine needs adjustment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D.
Choice A rationale
Diminished reflexes are a common finding in older adults due to the natural aging process of the nervous system and do not necessarily indicate a bladder infection.
Choice B rationale
A WBC count of 900/mm^3 is significantly lower than the normal range of 5000 to 16,000/mm^33. While this could indicate an issue with the immune system, it does not specifically point to a bladder infection.
Choice C rationale
A temperature of 33.9°C is lower than the average body temperature and does not suggest a bladder infection. Fever is a common symptom of infection, but hypothermia is not.
Choice D rationale
Altered mental status in an older adult client can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), including a bladder infection. UTIs in older adults can present with non-specific symptoms such as changes in mental status, making them harder to diagnose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Prick the central tip of the patient’s finger: The central tip of the finger has more nerve endings, making it more painful.Instead, the side of the fingertip should be used because it has fewer nerve endings and promotes better blood flow.
B. Apply the first drop of blood to the test strip: The first drop of blood may contain interstitial fluid or contaminants (e.g., alcohol residue), leading to inaccurate readings.Instead, the first drop should be wiped away, and the second drop should be used for testing.
C. Hold the patient’s finger in a dependent position:Holding the finger in a dependent position (below heart level) helps increase blood flow to the fingertip, making it easier to obtain an adequate blood sample without excessive squeezing, which could dilute the sample with tissue fluid.
D. Clean the patient’s finger with hexachlorophene: Hexachlorophene is not recommended for skin antisepsis before blood glucose testing.Instead, alcohol wipes or soap and water should be used. The finger should be fully dried before pricking to avoid dilution of the blood sample.
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