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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Neutropenic precautions and broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated for patients with neutropenia to prevent infections. However, the patient's ANC is within the normal range (2400/mm³), so these measures are not necessary. This choice does not address the low hemoglobin and platelet count.
Choice B rationale
Contact isolation precautions and intravenous prednisone are not relevant to the patient's current condition. Prednisone is an immunosuppressive corticosteroid used for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, but it does not address the patient's anemia or thrombocytopenia.
Choice C rationale
Bleeding precautions and platelet transfusion are appropriate interventions for the patient. The platelet count is critically low (6,000/mm³), putting the patient at high risk for spontaneous bleeding. Platelet transfusion is needed to increase platelet levels and reduce bleeding risk. Bleeding precautions, such as avoiding invasive procedures and using gentle oral care, help minimize the risk of hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
Bedrest and packed red blood cell transfusion address the patient's anemia (hemoglobin 8.4 g/dL, hematocrit 25.9%). While these interventions are necessary to improve oxygen-carrying capacity, they do not address the critical issue of thrombocytopenia. Combining interventions C and D would be ideal for comprehensive care, but based on the question, Choice C is most critical for immediate bleeding risk management. .
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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