A nurse is teaching a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism about levothyroxine [Synthroid]. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "I should not take heartburn medication without consulting my provider."
b. "I should report insomnia, tremors, and an increased heart rate to my provider."
c. "If I take a multivitamin with iron, I should take it 4 hours after the Synthroid."
d. "If I take calcium supplements, I may need to decrease my dose of Synthroid."
D
Patients taking calcium supplements should take these either 4 hours before or after taking levo-thyroxine, because they interfere with levothyroxine absorption. Many heartburn medications contain calcium, so patients should consult their provider before taking them. Insomnia, tremors, and tachycardia are signs of levothyroxine toxicity and should be reported. Iron also interferes with levothyroxine absorption, so dosing should be 4 hours apart.
You might also like to view...
A patient presents at the free clinic complaining of nervousness, worrying about everything, and feeling very tense. What diagnose would the nurse suspect?
A) Neurosis B) Psychosis C) Anxiety D) Depression
The father of a 15-year-old boy is worried because he wants to discipline his son in an age-appropriate manner. While the boy is being assessed for diabetes, the father reveals this concern to the nurse. How should the nurse best help the client?
A) Explain the importance of adult respect toward adolescents. B) Explain the importance of good grades for adolescents. C) Discuss the challenges for families with children who are diabetics. D) Place stress on ensuring that the teenager is following family rules.
The nurse is discussing follow-up visits with the family of a boy using growth hormone therapy. The parents demonstrate understanding of the teaching with which statement?
1. "We will need to track his height every week and record it for the doctor.". 2. "We will need to have follow-up visits every 3 to 4 months to measure progress.".' 3. "Our next visit will be in one year to assess growth.". 4. "He will need to watch his weight closely and provide the record at the next visit.".
The nurse prepares to administer medications to a group of patients. For the patient with which condition would doxycycline (Atridox) most likely be indicated?
a. Renal failure b. Lyme disease c. Periodontal disease d. Sexually acquired proctitis