The nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select 3 options)
“I will need to have my white blood cell count checked regularly while taking this medication."
“This medication helps by blocking the production of thyroid hormones."
“I need to check my blood glucose levels dally.”
"Once my symptoms improve, I can stop taking the medication without telling my provider."
“If I feel extremely tired or notice yellowing of my skin, I should report it immediately."
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A. “I will need to have my white blood cell count checked regularly while taking this medication.": Propylthiouracil (PTU) can cause agranulocytosis, a condition that reduces the number of white blood cells, increasing the risk of infection. Regular monitoring of the white blood cell count is important to detect this potential side effect early.
B. “This medication helps by blocking the production of thyroid hormones.": Propylthiouracil (PTU) works by inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland, which helps in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
C. “I need to check my blood glucose levels daily.”: PTU does not directly affect blood glucose levels. Monitoring blood glucose is recommended for patients on medications that affect insulin or blood sugar regulation, such as corticosteroids or some antipsychotic medications, not PTU.
D. “Once my symptoms improve, I can stop taking the medication without telling my provider.”: Clients should continue taking PTU as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Discontinuing the medication without consulting the provider could lead to relapse or worsening of hyperthyroidism.
E. “If I feel extremely tired or notice yellowing of my skin, I should report it immediately.": Fatigue and yellowing of the skin (jaundice) can be signs of liver toxicity, a serious side effect of PTU. Any such symptoms should be reported immediately to prevent further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Visual deficits: While visual changes can occur in some conditions, they are not a concern immediately after thyroidectomy. The more pressing concern postoperatively is ensuring the airway remains clear, as swelling or bleeding in the neck could obstruct the airway.
B. Hoarseness: Hoarseness can occur after a thyroidectomy due to trauma to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While it is important to monitor for hoarseness, it is not as immediate a concern as ensuring airway patency during the first 24 hours.
C. Pain control: While pain control is essential for the client's comfort and recovery, it is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period. The priority is ensuring the airway is clear and that the client is not experiencing respiratory distress due to swelling or bleeding.
D. Airway patency: After thyroid surgery, there is a risk of airway obstruction due to swelling, bleeding, or hematoma in the neck area. Ensuring the client's airway is clear is the most critical task during the first 24 hours after thyroidectomy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "This test detects antithyroid antibodies in your blood.": While antithyroid antibodies are measured in some thyroid disorders (like Hashimoto's thyroiditis), the TSH test specifically measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
B. "This test measures the amount of thyroid hormone that attaches to a protein in your blood.": TSH levels do not measure thyroid hormone bound to proteins; rather, TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones.
C. "This test measures the absorption of iodine and how it relates to the thyroid gland.": The TSH test does not measure iodine absorption. A radioactive iodine uptake test is used for assessing iodine absorption by the thyroid gland.
D. "The test determines whether your thyroid gland is overactive, appropriately active, or underactive.": The TSH test is used to assess thyroid function. The test helps determine whether the thyroid is working appropriately or if there is a dysfunction.
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