The nurse is admitting a patient to the unit. While obtaining a ...

[yoroshambo]

The nurse is admitting a patient to the unit. While obtaining a health history from the spouse, the nurse is notified that the patient takes 2.5 mg of warfarin (Coumadin) daily and has been taking levothyroxine (Levothroid) for 3 weeks.
 
  The nurse calls the prescriber to order lab tests, because the nurse knows that warfarin (Coumadin) taken concurrently with levothyroxine (Levothroid) may result in which of the following?
  a. Increased levothyroxine (Levothroid) levels
  b. Enhanced warfarin (Coumadin) levels
  c. Decreased warfarin (Coumadin) levels
  d. Decreased levothyroxine (Levothroid) levels

Question 2

An adult patient comes to the clinic complaining of hair loss, fatigue, lethargy, and intolerance to cold. Assessment shows that the patient has brittle hair and a puffy, pale face.
 
  The vital signs are: blood pressure 118/70, heart rate 60, temperature 96.2 F, and respirations 22. The nurse is awaiting the results of laboratory tests that the prescriber has ordered but suspects that the patient has
  a. hypothyroidism.
  b. cretinism.
  c. Graves' disease.
  d. Plummer's disease.

[pallen55]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Levothyroxine accelerates the degradation of warfarin and enhances its effects; the dose may need to be reduced.
Increased levothyroxine levels and decreased warfarin levels would not be expected.
Decreased levothyroxine levels would not be anticipated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The signs and symptoms described are consistent with hypothyroidism that has been present for some time, resulting in a severe thyroid deficiency.
Cretinism is hypothyroidism in infancy.
Graves' disease and Plummer's disease are examples of hyperthyroidism (thyroid excess).

[yoroshambo]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[pallen55]

Great! Please up vote