A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. The nurse should teach the client to take this medication:
- A. With meals
- B. Before bedtime
- C. On an empty stomach in the morning
- D. With a glass of milk
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to enhance absorption and efficacy. Taking it with meals (Choice A) may interfere with absorption due to food interactions. Taking it before bedtime (Choice B) can lead to difficulties with absorption and may disrupt the sleep cycle. Consuming levothyroxine with a glass of milk (Choice D) is not recommended as calcium in milk can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, the best practice is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure optimal effectiveness.
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A client is receiving levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings would indicate that the medication is effective?
- A. Decreased heart rate
- B. Increased weight
- C. Increased energy levels
- D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased energy levels. When a client with hypothyroidism is receiving levothyroxine, increased energy levels indicate that thyroid hormone levels are being normalized, which is a positive response to treatment. This improvement reflects the effectiveness of the medication in addressing the underlying hypothyroidism. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Decreased heart rate and decreased appetite may be symptoms of hypothyroidism and would not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of levothyroxine. Increased weight could also be a symptom of hypothyroidism and does not directly reflect the medication's effectiveness.
A client with Addison's disease is at risk for which of the following complications?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypovolemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with Addison's disease is at risk for hypovolemia. Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, particularly cortisol and aldosterone deficiency. Aldosterone deficiency leads to impaired sodium and water retention, resulting in decreased blood volume and hypovolemia. This condition can cause hypotension, not hypertension (Choice A), as reduced blood volume leads to decreased pressure. Hypernatremia (Choice C) is unlikely in Addison's disease because of the loss of sodium along with water in hypovolemia. Hypokalemia (Choice D) can occur due to aldosterone deficiency, but it is not the primary complication associated with Addison's disease.
A client with DM is preparing for a foot care exam. The nurse should advise the client to:
- A. Wear loose-fitting shoes to protect the feet.
- B. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet to keep the skin moist.
- C. Avoid using a heating pad to prevent burns on the feet.
- D. Avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails. This is crucial because using sharp instruments can lead to injuries such as cuts or wounds, increasing the risk of infections, especially in clients with diabetes who have decreased sensation in their feet. Choice A is incorrect because tight shoes can restrict circulation and increase the risk of pressure sores. Choice B is incorrect because applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, leading to fungal infections. Choice C is incorrect because using a heating pad can lead to burns, which can go unnoticed due to decreased sensation in diabetic feet.
A client with hyperthyroidism is being treated with radioactive iodine. The nurse should teach the client to expect which of the following side effects?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Hypothyroidism
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client with hyperthyroidism undergoes radioactive iodine treatment, it often leads to hypothyroidism due to the destruction of thyroid tissue. This occurs as a desired outcome of the treatment to reduce the overactive thyroid function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased heart rate, hypercalcemia, and weight loss are not expected side effects of radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. Instead, the goal is to suppress the overactive thyroid, leading to a hypothyroid state.
A client with Cushing's syndrome is scheduled for surgery to remove an adrenal tumor. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications postoperatively?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative hypotension is a common complication after adrenal tumor removal in a client with Cushing's syndrome. This occurs due to the sudden withdrawal of cortisol, which leads to a relative adrenal insufficiency state. Hyperglycemia (Choice A) is more common preoperatively due to excessive cortisol levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) and Hyponatremia (Choice D) are also associated with Cushing's syndrome but are less likely to be immediate postoperative complications compared to hypotension.