Solutions
A client arrives at the clinic complaining of fatigue, lack of
energy, constipation, and depression. Following diagnostic
studies, hypothyroidism is diagnosed and levothyroxine is
prescribed. The nurse informs the client that which is the
expected outcome of the medication? Correct Answers Achieve
normal thyroid hormone levels.
Laboratory determinations of serum thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) level are an important means of evaluation.
Successful therapy will cause elevated TSH levels to fall. These
levels will begin their decline within hours of the onset of
therapy and will continue to drop as plasma levels of thyroid
hormone build up. If an adequate dosage is administered, TSH
levels will remain suppressed for the duration of therapy.
Although energy levels may increase, this occurs as a result of
achievement of the normal thyroid hormone levels. Alleviation
of depression and increased blood glucose levels are not
expected outcomes.
A client arrives at the clinic complaining of fatigue, lack of
energy, constipation, and depression. Hypothyroidism is
diagnosed, and levothyroxine is prescribed. What is an expected
outcome of the medication? Correct Answers Achieve normal
thyroid hormone levels
Rationale: Laboratory determinations of the serum thyroid-
stimulating hormone (TSH) level are an important means of
evaluation. Successful therapy causes elevated TSH levels to
,decline. These levels begin their decline within hours of the
onset of therapy and continue to decrease as plasma levels of
thyroid hormone build up. If an adequate dosage is
administered, TSH levels remain suppressed for the duration of
therapy. Although energy levels may increase and the client's
mood may improve following effective treatment, these are not
noted until normal thyroid hormone levels are achieved with
medication therapy. An increase in the blood glucose level is not
associated with this condition.
A client diagnosed with hypothyroidism is taking levothyroxine.
The client returns to the clinic 1 week after beginning the
medication and tells the nurse that the medication has not
helped. What is the appropriate nursing response to the client?
Correct Answers Full therapeutic effect may take 1 to 3 weeks.
Levothyroxine is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
Although therapy with levothyroxine may begin with small
doses that are gradually increased, the most appropriate response
is to inform the client that the full therapeutic effect may take 1
to 3 weeks.
A client has been taking glucocorticoids to control rheumatoid
arthritis. Which laboratory abnormality is the client at risk for as
a result of taking this medication? Correct Answers Increased
serum glucose
A client is being treated with spironolactone. The nurse should
monitor the client for which fluid/electrolyte imbalance? Correct
Answers Hyperkalemia
,Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that
may be prescribed to remove excess fluid from the body. It may
also be prescribed to counteract the effects of excessive adrenal
aldosterone production (hyperaldosteronism). Because it is a
diuretic, the client is at risk for fluid volume deficit.
Hyperkalemia can occur because it is a potassium-sparing
diuretic. This medication can result in low sodium and low
magnesium levels.
A client is receiving somatropin. The nurse should monitor
which most significant laboratory study during therapy with this
medication? Correct Answers Thyroid-stimulating hormone
level
A client is seen in the clinic for complaints of thirst, frequent
urination, and headaches. After diagnostic studies, diabetes
insipidus is diagnosed. Desmopressin is prescribed. The client
asks why this medication was prescribed. Which is a correct
statement by the nurse? Correct Answers It increases water
reabsorption."
A client is started on tolbutamide once daily. The nurse should
instruct the client to monitor for which intended effect of this
medication? Correct Answers Decreased blood glucose
A client is started on tolbutamide once daily. When should the
nurse tell the client to take the medication? Correct Answers At
breakfast
A client is taking Humulin NPH insulin and regular insulin
every morning. The nurse should provide which instructions to
, the client? Select all that apply. Correct Answers Hypoglycemia
may be experienced before dinnertime.
The insulin should be administered at room temperature.
A client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is instructed by
the health care provider to obtain glucagon for emergency home
use. The client asks a home care nurse about the purpose of the
medication. What is the nurse's best response to the client's
question? Correct Answers It is for the times when your blood
glucose is too low from too much insulin."
A client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is instructed by
the health care provider to obtain glucagon for emergency home
use. The client asks the home care nurse about the purpose of
the medication. The nurse should instruct the client that the
purpose of the medication is to treat which problem? Correct
Answers Hypoglycemia from insulin overdose
Glucagon is used to treat hypoglycemia resulting from insulin
overdose. The family of the client is instructed in how to
administer the medication. In an unconscious client, arousal
usually occurs within 20 minutes of glucagon injection. Once
consciousness has been regained, oral carbohydrates should be
given. Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy result from insulin
injections.
A client received 20 units of Humulin N insulin subcutaneously
at 08:00. At what time should the nurse plan to assess the client
for a hypoglycemic reaction? Correct Answers 1700