A patient with hypothyroidism is given a
prescription for levothyroxine (Synthroid). When the nurse explains that this is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, he states that he prefers to receive more natural forms of drugs. What will the nurse explain to him about the advantages of levothyroxine?
a. It has a stronger effect than the natural forms.
b. Levothyroxine is less expensive than the natural forms.
c. The synthetic form has fewer adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
d. The half-life of levothyroxine is long enough to permit once-daily dosing.
Question 2
The order reads, Give levothyroxine (Synthroid), 200 mg, PO once every morning. Which action by the nurse is correct?
a. Give the medication as ordered.
b. Change the dose to 200 mcg because that is what the prescriber meant.
c. Hold the drug until the prescriber returns to see the patient.
d. Question the order because the dose is higher than 200 mcg.
Teaching patient discharge instructions
Patient teaching: nail assessment
It is important to act concerned when a patient is upset.
Examples of endocrine disorders. (C) A patient with congenital hypothyroidism.
Anatomy of the heart. Remember: It is labeled right and left based on the patient’s perspective.