Author Question: Jane Farmington, 72 years old, has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on thyroid ... (Read 81 times)

tsand2 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

Jane Farmington, 72 years old, has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started on thyroid replacement therapy. What are the nursing considerations for an older adult who has been started on thyroid replacement therapy?

a. Schedule Mrs. Farmington for weekly blood glucose levels
b. Schedule Mrs. Farmington for weekly blood glucose levels, and encourage her to do daily self-blood glucose monitoring
c. Schedule Mrs. Farmington for a CBC and electrolyte level within 1 month, and teach her the signs and symptoms of infection
d. Schedule Mrs. Farmington for a drug blood level done in 4 weeks, and teach her how to monitor her heart rate

Question 2

Melvin Wellington, 80 years old, is admitted with a severe exacerbation of congestive heart failure. He has 4+ pitting edema of both feet and ankles, moist crackles in the bases of both lungs, and marked shortness of breath.

Which of the following could contribute to worsening of his congestive heart failure?
a. Cold remedies containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid ASA)
b. Antacids
c. Alcohol
d. Laxatives

kbennett34 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Thyroid replacement therapy is monitored by drug levels to ensure that the older person is receiving the appropriate dose of thyroxine. Responses A, B, and C are incorrect for an older adult receiving thyroid replacement therapy.

Answer to Question 2

B
Older adults often use large amounts of antacids that have a high sodium content. The high sodium content can cause fluid retention and exacerbation of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Aspirin-containing cold remedies (response A) do not have fluid retention as a side effect. Alcohol use and abuse (response C) can contribute to fluid and electrolyte imbalances but usually not to fluid overload problems. Laxatives (response D) are associated with fluid and electrolyte depletion.