The nurse is providing client teaching regarding the administration of levothyroxine.
What is the nurse’s priority teaching point?
“Remain in the upright position for 30 minutes after taking it.”.
“Take the medication with a full glass of water.”.
“Take the medication before going to bed at night.”.
“Take the medication after breakfast.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism. It should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, with a full glass of water to facilitate absorption and prevent choking. Taking the medication with food or other substances may interfere with its effectiveness.
Choice A is wrong because levothyroxine does not need to be taken after breakfast.
In fact, taking it after breakfast may reduce its absorption and efficacy.
Choice C is wrong because levothyroxine does not require the patient to remain in the upright position for 30 minutes after administering.
This instruction is more applicable to bisphosphonates, which are drugs used to treat osteoporosis.
Choice D is wrong because levothyroxine should not be taken at night.
Taking it at night may cause insomnia, as well as reduced absorption and efficacy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because levothyroxine can increase the anticoagulant effect of oral anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding. The nurse should check the client’s prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) regularly and report any abnormal values to the prescriber.
Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism does not increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because hypothyroidism does not affect the level of consciousness unless it is severe and causes myxedema coma.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause electrolyte imbalances.
Normal ranges for prothrombin time are 11 to 13.5 seconds and for INR are 0.8 to 1.22.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Ginseng is a herbal supplement that may have some antidiabetic effects, such as improving glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. However, ginseng may also interact with certain diabetes medications, especially insulin and sulfonylureas, and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)2. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client about this potential risk and advise them to consult their doctor before taking ginseng.
Choice B is wrong because there is a reason ginseng cannot be taken by people with diabetes without medical supervision.
As explained above, ginseng may lower blood glucose levels too much and cause hypoglycemia.
Choice C is wrong because there is some research to indicate what effect ginseng will have on diabetes.
Several studies have shown that ginseng may have beneficial effects on blood glucose control, but also some adverse effects such as hypoglycemia.
Choice D is wrong because ginseng does not increase the risk for high blood
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