A client has been prescribed levothyroxine (Levothroid). What ...

[BrownTown3]

A client has been prescribed levothyroxine (Levothroid). What medication information should the nurse provide?
 
  1. It may take a few weeks for you to see the full benefits from this drug.
  2. Be sure to keep all of your follow-up appointments.
  3. Take this medication at whatever time you eat your evening meal.
  4. Do not start a fiber laxative without first discussing it with your health care team.
  5. Take your calcium supplement at least 4 hours after taking this drug.

Question 2

A client has been prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU). What medication education should the nurse provide?
 
  1. It may take several days or weeks for you to see effects of this drug.
  2. Take this drug with meals.
  3. Do not become pregnant while taking this medication.
  4. You may experience a rash while taking this drug.
  5. You may continue to breastfeed while taking this drug.

[Athena23]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,4,5
Rationale 1: When given orally, it may take up to 3 weeks for the full effect of the drug to be realized.
Rationale 2: Serum TSH levels will be drawn frequently as the client begins this therapy and to monitor its effectiveness as therapy continues.
Rationale 3: The medication should be taken at the same time every day, not at variable meal times. It should be taken in the morning to decrease insomnia.
Rationale 4: Dietary fiber may bind to and decrease the absorption of levothyroxine.
Rationale 5: Calcium and iron supplements should be taken at least 4 hours after taking levothyroxine to prevent interference with drug absorption.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: The action of this drug may be delayed from several days to as long as 6-12 weeks.
Rationale 2: This drug may cause gastric upset, which is decreased if the drug is taken with food.
Rationale 3: This is a pregnancy class D drug.
Rationale 4: Rash is one of the most frequent adverse effects.
Rationale 5: This drug should not be taken while breastfeeding.

[BrownTown3]

Excellent

[ricroger]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it