The nurse is caring for a patient with hypothyroidism who is prescribed levothyroxine.
Which assessment data indicates to the nurse that the medication has been effective?
Hypoventilation and hypoglycemia.
Intermittent episodes of angina and arrhythmias.
Weight gain of five pounds in one week.
Normal body temperature and pulse rate.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Hypoventilation and hypoglycemia are symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism rather than an indicator of effective levothyroxine treatment.
Choice B rationale
Angina and arrhythmias can occur if the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, indicating overmedication rather than effective treatment.
Choice C rationale
Weight gain is a sign of undertreated hypothyroidism and would indicate that the medication is not effective in managing the condition.
Choice D rationale
Normal body temperature and pulse rate indicate that levothyroxine is effectively managing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, as it restores metabolic function to normal levels. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30-60 minutes before breakfast, to ensure proper absorption. Taking it with food can interfere with its effectiveness.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for chest pain or symptoms of angina is crucial as levothyroxine can increase the heart rate and potentially exacerbate pre-existing heart conditions, especially in elderly patients.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring prothrombin time is important for patients taking warfarin because levothyroxine can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Stopping levothyroxine abruptly can cause severe hypothyroid symptoms, so it should not be discontinued without consulting a healthcare provider.
Choice E rationale
Hypothyroidism patients are often more sensitive to sedatives, so reducing the dose of any sedative agents can prevent excessive sedation and other adverse effects. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Thyroid storm is a severe complication of hyperthyroidism and is characterized by high fever, tachycardia, and altered mental state, not carpopedal spasm.
Choice B rationale
Homans sign is an indicator of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is not related to carpopedal spasms observed here.
Choice C rationale
Trousseau sign is a clinical sign of latent tetany seen in patients with hypocalcemia, characterized by carpopedal spasm when blood flow is occluded.
Choice D rationale
Chvostek sign is another sign of hypocalcemia, but it is indicated by facial muscle contraction when tapping the facial nerve, not carpopedal spasm.
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