The nurse is caring for a patient who has a new prescription for levothyroxine.
The nurse will include in the teaching plan that levothyroxine decreases the action of which medication?

Choice A rationale

Increasing the dose of corticosteroids without consulting a healthcare provider can be dangerous as it can cause serious side effects like immunosuppression, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Patients with Cushing's syndrome already have excess corticosteroids and should avoid additional doses.

Choice B rationale

This statement is incorrect as Cushing's syndrome is not related to a thyroid gland tumor. The treatment for Cushing's syndrome often involves removing a tumor from the adrenal gland or pituitary gland, not the thyroid.

Choice C rationale

Resuming physically intense activities like football should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Patients with Cushing's syndrome may have muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and other health issues that could be exacerbated by high-impact sports.

Choice D rationale

Patients with Cushing's syndrome have a weakened immune system due to high corticosteroid levels. Avoiding infections and promptly reporting any signs of illness, like fever, is crucial for their health.

Choice A rationale

For a client with severe malnutrition, immediate intervention is necessary to address nutritional deficiencies. Inserting a nasogastric tube and beginning enteral feeding is the first step to provide essential nutrients, stabilize the patient's condition, and prevent further complications from malnutrition.

Choice B rationale

Teaching the patient to increase protein intake and to eat more frequently is important but not the immediate priority in a case of severe malnutrition. This can be addressed after initial stabilization and nutritional support.

Choice C rationale

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is an option for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feeding, but initiating strict NPO status without first attempting enteral feeding is not the best initial approach. Enteral feeding is generally preferred if the gastrointestinal tract is functional.

Choice D rationale

Rinsing the mouth with alcohol-based mouthwash before meals is not a priority in managing severe malnutrition. It does not address the immediate need for nutritional support and could be harmful if ingested.