A nurse is providing education for a patient beginning thyroid replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Which information provided by the nurse to the patient is most important?
a. Therapy should continue until all symptoms have resolved.
b. Medication should be taken as directed for 3 to 6 months.
c. Most patients require therapy for at least 1 year.
d. In most cases, treatment is likely to be lifelong.
ANS: D
In most cases, treatment is lifelong. Symptoms never just go away; they must be managed for the rest of the patient's life. With hypothyroidism, the thyroid must be supplemented with T4 daily.
Symptoms never just go away; they must be managed for the rest of the patient's life.
Medication should be taken as directed for life, not just for 3 to 6 months or 1 year.
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