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.)

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism commonly presents with symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance due to a slowed metabolism.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Antithyroid drugs that act on the thyroid gland block the synthesis of T₃ and T₄ in the thyroid gland, which reduces the production of thyroid hormones. They may be used before subtotal thyroidectomy to reduce the risk of thyroid storm during surgery. However, they are not a physiologic hormone replacement and do not destroy the thyroid hormone. Immediate improvement is not typically observed with antithyroid drugs, as it can take several weeks for the full effect to be seen.

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.)

Accepted Answer

Close follow-up with healthcare provider is important to adjust the Synthroid dosage according to the patient's needs. Palpitations and tachycardia are side effects of levothyroxine that require medical attention. Emotional and personality changes are common during the adjustment period, and patients need to be reassured of their normalcy. Synthroid is not stopped when the thyroid gland resumes functioning since the patient has had a total thyroidectomy. Gradual tapering is not necessary when energy levels have returned because Synthroid is a lifelong medication.

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?

Accepted Answer

Cholestyramine can bind to and reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones like liotrix. To avoid this interaction and ensure optimal absorption of liotrix, it's recommended to administer cholestyramine at least 4 hours after the thyroid medication, making 12:00 the best choice.

Question 5

Which condition can occur if congenital hypothyroidism is not treated?

Accepted Answer

If congenital hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to cretinism, a condition characterized by severe physical and mental developmental delays. Diabetes, impaired vision, and periorbital edema are not typically associated with untreated congenital hypothyroidism.

Question 6

Which medication is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism as it is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone that is lacking in patients with this condition. Radioactive iodine, propylthiouracil (Propacil), and methimazole (Tapazole) are used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.

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?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid hormones can increase the metabolism of digoxin, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, a gradual increase in the glycoside dosage may be necessary to maintain therapeutic levels.

Question 8

What is the mechanism of action of propylthiouracil?

Accepted Answer

Propylthiouracil blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland by inhibiting the enzyme thyroperoxidase, which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, which can disrupt sleep patterns, making "Disturbed sleep pattern" a relevant nursing diagnosis.

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?

Accepted Answer

Myxedema, a severe form of hypothyroidism, can alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs and increase sensitivity. This can result in an increased chance of adverse effects, such as feeling like you have a hangover after taking a pain medication at night. Therefore, option A is the most accurate explanation.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Radioactive iodine isotope destroys hyperactive thyroid tissue and is often used as a treatment for hyperthyroidism. It is not used to stimulate or replace thyroid hormones, nor does it increase storage before surgery.

Question 12

Which medication is used to treat hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. It works by inhibiting the enzyme involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Although other medications like methimazole and radioactive iodine may also be used, PTU is preferred in certain cases such as during pregnancy or in severe cases of hyperthyroidism. Levothyroxine (Synthroid), Liotrix (Thyrolar), and Liothyronine (Cytomel) are medications used to treat hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.

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:

Accepted Answer

Liothyronine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and has a faster onset of action compared to levothyroxine (T4), making option A incorrect. It is not considered safe for patients with cardiovascular disease due to its potential to increase heart rate and blood pressure, making option B incorrect. Adverse effects of thyroid hormone therapy, including changes in liothyronine dosage, can indeed take several weeks to become apparent, making option C correct. Lastly, symptoms of adverse effects typically include tachycardia (rapid heart rate) but would more likely involve weight loss rather than gain, due to the increased metabolism, making option D partially incorrect.

Question 14

Which patient would be a candidate for radioactive iodine therapy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which patient would be a candidate for...

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which clinical manifestation(s)would the nurse assess in...

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Patients with hyperthyroidism often have an increased metabolic rate and may feel hot or sweaty. Providing a cool environment can help them feel more comfortable. Low-calorie diets or limiting caffeine intake are not specific interventions for hyperthyroidism. Encouraging intake of bran products may actually be contraindicated as patients with hyperthyroidism may have increased bowel movements and diarrhea.

Quiz 36: Drugs Used to Treat Thyroid Disease

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.)