A 12-year-old patient has acute diarrhea and an upper respiratory ...

[HCHenry]

A 12-year-old patient has acute diarrhea and an upper respiratory infection. Other family members have had similar symptoms, which have resolved. The primary care NP should recommend:
 
  a. diphenoxylate (Lomotil).
  b. attapulgite (Kaopectate).
  c. an electrolyte solution (Pedialyte).
  d. bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Question 2

A primary care NP prescribes levothyroxine for a patient to treat thyroid deficiency. When teaching this patient about the medication, the NP should:
 
  a. counsel the patient to take the medication with food.
  b. tell the patient that changing brands of the medication should be avoided.
  c. instruct the patient to stop taking the medication if signs of thyrotoxicosis occur.
  d. tell the patient that the drug may be stopped when thyroid function tests stabilize.

[cuttiesgirl16]

Answer to Question 1

C
Antidiarrheals are not generally recommended in children. Bismuth is not recommended in children younger than 16 years of age with viral illnesses because it can mask symptoms of Reye's syndrome. Oral rehydration with electrolyte solution is safe.

Answer to Question 2

B
Patients should be told not to change brands of the medication; there is potential variability in the bioequivalence between manufacturers. The medication should be taken at approximately the same time each day before breakfast or on an empty stomach. Patients should be instructed to contact the provider if signs of thyrotoxicosis are present. Thyroid replacement medications are usually given for life.

[HCHenry]

Excellent

[ricroger]

TYSM