1) A nurse is assessing a client who is taking levothyroxine. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings is a manifestation of
... [Show More] levothyroxine overdose? a) Insomnia i) Rationale: Levothyroxine overdose will result in manifestations of hyperthyroidism, which include Insomnia, tachycardia, and hyperthermia.
b) Constipation
i) Rationale: Constipation is a manifestation of hypothyroidism and indicates an inadequate dose of levothyroxine.
c) Drowsiness
i) Rationale: Drowsiness is a manifestation of hypothyroidism and indicates an inadequate dose of levothyroxine.
d) Hypoactive deep-tendon reflexes
i) Rationale: Hypoactive deep-tendon reflexes are manifestations of hypothyroidism and indicate an inadequate dose of levothyroxine.
2) A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has been on levothyroxine for several months. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
a) Decrease in level of thyroxine (T4)
i) Rationale: If the dose of this medication has been adequate, the nurse should see an increase in the T4.
b) Increase in weight
i) Rationale: If the dose of this medication has been adequate, the nurse should see a decrease in weight, as hypothyroidism causes a decrease in metabolism with weight gain.
c) Increase in hr of sleep per night
i) Rationale: If the dose of this medication has been adequate, the nurse should see a decrease in the hr of sleep per night, as hypothyroidism causes sluggishness with increased hr of sleep. d) Decrease in level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). i) Rationale: In hypothyroidism, the nonfunctioning thyroid gland is unable to respond to the TSH, and no endogenous thyroid hormones are released. This results in an elevation of the TSH level as the anterior pituitary continues to release the TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland. Administration of exogenous thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, turns off this feedback loop, which results in a decreased level of TSH. [Show Less]