Author Question: Which statement made by a patient who is taking a thyroid replacement drug indicates to the nurse ... (Read 81 times)

rayancarla1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which statement made by a patient who is taking a thyroid replacement drug indicates to the nurse that a higher dose may be needed?

a. My goiter seems to be smaller.
b. I seem to feel the heat more than other people.
c. Food just doesn't taste good without a lot of salt.
d. I am always tired, even when I get 10 or 12 hours of sleep.

Question 2

Which precaution is most important for the nurse to teach a patient who is newly prescribed a thyroid hormone replacement drug?

a. Avoid taking fiber supplements while on this drug.
b. Be sure to take this drug at the same time every day.
c. Weigh yourself daily and keep a record of these weights.
d. Do not increase the dose without your prescriber's knowledge.

tofugiraffe · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
When blood thyroid hormone levels are insufficient to maintain a normal metabolic rate, symp-toms of hypothyroidism return. Patients usually feel tired or weak and often report an increase in time spent sleeping, sometimes up to 14 to 16 hours per day.

Answer to Question 2

D
When a patient begins treatment with thyroid replacement drugs, the starting drug dosage is very low, with no attempt to bring the blood thyroid hormone level back to normal quickly. These drugs can change metabolism quickly and lead to adverse effects such as heart attack or seizure. Dosages start low and are raised very slowly (about every 3 weeks). The patient should never increase the dose unless instructed to do so by the prescriber.