A patient has been prescribed the synthetic hormone levothyroxine. What medication instructions should the nurse provide? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. "Take the medication with juice or milk for best absorption.".
2. "You may need a stool softener when taking this medication.".
3. "Do not switch brands of levothyroxine without first discussing the change with your health care provider.".
4. "Plan to take this medication every day for the rest of your life.".
5. "Take your medication at least 4 hours before taking antacids containing calcium.".

Answer 1

3,4,5
Rationale 1: Taking levothyroxine with juice or milk will interfere with the absorption of the drug.
Rationale 2: The patient may require a stool softener because of the effects of hypothyroidism, not because of the effects of the thyroid supplement.
Rationale 3: Different brands of levothyroxine may be metabolized differently. The patient should consult the health care provider if a brand change is necessary.
Rationale 4: The patient with hypothyroidism will need lifelong thyroid replacement.
Rationale 5: Calcium interferes with the absorption of thyroid hormone.