A client is receiving levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Dry skin
- C. Hair loss
- D. Hyperthermia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing the body with thyroid hormone. If the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, it can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including weight loss. Therefore, weight gain can be a potential side effect of levothyroxine if the dosage is excessive.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed aripiprazole. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Headache
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client has been taking simvastatin for 3 days and calls the nurse at the clinic to report extreme muscle tenderness and pain. Which is the most appropriate action?
- A. Notify the health care provider.
- B. Review the medication with the client.
- C. Advise the client to avoid grapefruit juice.
- D. Remind the client to limit physical activity until evaluated by the health care provider.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Extreme muscle tenderness and pain in a client taking simvastatin could indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition. Promptly notifying the health care provider is crucial to evaluate and manage this potential medical emergency. Reviewing the medication with the client may not address the urgency of the situation. Advising the client to avoid grapefruit juice is not directly related to the client's current symptoms. Reminding the client to limit physical activity until evaluated by the health care provider is not appropriate as the client's symptoms should be assessed by a professional first.
What information should the practical nurse provide to a female client who started taking an oral sulfonamide for a urinary tract infection the previous day and reports slight anorexia, while also experiencing urinary frequency?
- A. Take the medication with an antacid instead of cranberry juice to reduce the anorexia.
- B. Continue to take the medication with a sip of cranberry juice, restricting fluids until the frequency is controlled.
- C. Continue to drink cranberry juice, but take the medicine on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
- D. Take the medication with a spoonful of ice cream or applesauce and avoid drinking cranberry juice.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The practical nurse should advise the client to take sulfonamides with a full glass of water to help prevent crystalluria. It is essential to take the medication on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating to maximize its absorption and effectiveness. Continuing to drink cranberry juice is beneficial, but it is important to take the medicine separately to enhance its therapeutic action.
A client with a diagnosis of depression is prescribed escitalopram. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. I should take this medication in the morning with food.
- B. This medication may take 1 to 4 weeks to notice improvement in symptoms.
- C. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
- D. This medication might make me feel drowsy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is crucial for clients to understand that they should not discontinue escitalopram abruptly, even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of depression. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes and prevent potential complications.
A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed pioglitazone. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Liver toxicity
- C. Kidney stones
- D. Bone fractures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, liver toxicity. Pioglitazone is known to cause liver toxicity, so it is essential for the nurse to monitor the client's liver function while on this medication. Monitoring liver function tests can help detect any signs of liver damage early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent serious complications.