A patient who has osteoarthritis is scheduled to have knee ...

[danielfitts88]

A patient who has osteoarthritis is scheduled to have knee surgery. The patient takes aspirin for MI prophylaxis and naproxen (Naprosyn) for pain and inflammation.
 
  Which statement by the patient to the primary care NP indicates a need for further teaching? a. I should stop taking aspirin at least 5 days before surgery.
  b. I will check with the surgeon to see if I need to stop taking the naproxen.
  c. I will need to stop taking both medications 1 week before I have surgery.
  d. Both of these medications interfere with platelet production and may cause blood clots.

Question 2

A patient who has hypothyroidism has been taking levothyroxine 50 mcg daily for 2 weeks. The patient reports continued fatigue. The primary care NP should:
 
  a. order a T4 level today.
  b. increase the dose to 100 mcg.
  c. check the TSH level in 1 week.
  d. reassure the patient that this will improve in several weeks.

[bob]

Answer to Question 1

C
Although both medications interfere with platelet formation, some NSAIDs may continue to be taken before surgery, depending on the procedure and the surgeon preference. The patient should stop taking aspirin 5 days before surgery.

Answer to Question 2

C
Full therapeutic effectiveness may not be achieved for 3 to 6 weeks. Measuring the TSH level is indicated to evaluate drug effectiveness. The dose should not be increased without first evaluating the patient's TSH level.

[danielfitts88]

Thank you!

[bob]

Always glad to help...