Deck 36: Drugs Used to Treat Thyroid Disease

Question 1

A patient recently completed radiation treatment for throat cancer and presents to the healthcare provider's office with symptoms indicating possible hypothyroidism.Which symptom(s)would most likely be exhibited and/or reported? (Select all that apply.)

A) Inability to sleep
B) Weight gain
C) Lethargy
D) Nervousness
E) Cold intolerance

Answer 1

Weight gain
Lethargy
Cold intolerance

Question 2

What is characteristic of antithyroid drugs that act on the thyroid gland? (Select all that apply.)

A) They are a physiologic hormone replacement.
B) They block synthesis of T₃ and T₄ in the thyroid gland.
C) They destroy T₃ and T₄.
D) Immediate improvement is observed.
E) They may be used before subtotal thyroidectomy.

Answer 2

They block synthesis of T₃ and T₄ in the thyroid gland.
They may be used before subtotal thyroidectomy.

Question 3

A postoperative total thyroidectomy patient is started on levothyroxine (Synthroid)daily.What information will the nurse include in discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A) "Close follow-up with your healthcare provider is important."
B) "Notify your healthcare provider if you experience any palpitations or tachycardia."
C) "A variation in emotions and personality is normal during this adjustment period."
D) "Synthroid may be stopped as soon as the thyroid gland resumes functioning."
E) "When energy levels have returned,Synthroid will be gradually tapered."

Answer 3

"Close follow-up with your healthcare provider is important."
"Notify your healthcare provider if you experience any palpitations or tachycardia."
"A variation in emotions and personality is normal during this adjustment period."

Question 4

Medications ordered on a patient with hypothyroidism include liotrix and cholestyramine.The nurse administers the dose of liotrix at 08:00.When is the best time for the nurse to administer the cholestyramine?

A) 07:00
B) 08:00
C) 10:00
D) 12:00

Question 5

Which condition can occur if congenital hypothyroidism is not treated?

A) Diabetes
B) Impaired vision
C) Periorbital edema
D) Cretinism

Question 6

Which medication is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism?

A) Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
B) Radioactive iodine
C) Propylthiouracil (Propacil)
D) Methimazole (Tapazole)

Question 7

A patient with a history of heart failure has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.The drug interaction with glycosides and thyroid replacement therapy will most likely require which change in therapy?

A) Decrease in the daily digoxin dosage
B) Gradual increase in the daily glycoside dosage
C) Inability to begin thyroid replacement therapy because of the underlying heart condition
D) Increased thyroid replacement dosage

Question 8

What is the mechanism of action of propylthiouracil?

A) Blocks reuptake of thyroid hormone in the liver.
B) Destroys hormone in the thyroid gland.
C) Increases synthesis of hormone in the thyroid gland.
D) Blocks synthesis of hormone in the thyroid gland.

Question 9

Which nursing diagnosis may be identified for a patient with hyperthyroidism?

A) Imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements
B) Constipation
C) Disturbed sleep pattern
D) Ineffective airway clearance

Question 10

A patient with myxedema complains to the nurse that he has a "hangover" the next morning after taking a pain medication at night.Which explanation by the nurse is the most accurate?

A) "You have increased sensitivity to the medicine because of your thyroid condition."
B) "Because you haven't been sleeping,you have increased fatigue and should increase the analgesic."
C) "You are not taking enough thyroid medication and you should increase the dosage."
D) "The pain medication is incompatible with your thyroid medication and you should find another analgesic to take."

Question 11

The nurse is providing instruction to a patient recently prescribed a radioactive iodine isotope.Which is the correct action of this medication?

A) Stimulates the synthesis of T₃ and T₄ hormones.
B) Increases the storage of thyroxine before thyroid surgery.
C) Destroys hyperactive thyroid tissue.
D) Replaces deficient thyroid hormone.

Question 12

Which medication is used to treat hyperthyroidism?

A) Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
B) Liotrix (Thyrolar)
C) Propylthiouracil (Propacil)
D) Liothyronine (Cytomel)

Question 13

The nurse transcribes a new order for liothyronine for a patient diagnosed with hypothyroidism.When educating the patient about this medication,the nurse will include that:

A) the onset of action is slower than that of levothyroxine.
B) it is safe for patients with cardiovascular disease to take.
C) adverse effects may occur up to 3 weeks after changes in therapy have been initiated.
D) symptoms of adverse effects include tachycardia and weight gain.

Question 14

Which patient would be a candidate for radioactive iodine therapy?

A) A 17-year-old woman with Graves' disease
B) A 64-year-old woman with hypothyroidism
C) A 46-year-old man with heart disease and thyroid cancer
D) An 82-year-old man with myxedema crisis

Question 15

Which clinical manifestation(s)would the nurse assess in a patient with hypothyroidism? (Select all that apply.)

A) Cold intolerance,weight gain
B) Nervousness,agitation
C) Increased susceptibility to infection
D) Exophthalmos,fatigue
E) Hypoactive reflexes

Question 16

When assisting with the care of a patient with hyperthyroidism,the nurse will:

A) provide a cool environment.
B) anticipate ordering a low-calorie diet.
C) limit daily caffeine intake.
D) encourage intake of bran products.