A patient who has hypothyroidism and is obese begins therapy with orlistat.The primary care NP teaches the patient about this drug and then asks the patient to describe its use.Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In long-term studies on the use of orlistat,most of the weight loss occurred during the first months.Patients should not be counseled to eat a high-fat diet; the maximum amount of fat excretion is around 25% to 30%.Patients should take fat-soluble vitamins,but the vitamins should be taken at different times and not with orlistat.Orlistat interferes with levothyroxine absorption,so the two drugs should be taken at different times,and thyroid levels should be monitored with an increase in levothyroxine dose only when indicated by thyroid levels.

A Patient Who Has Hypothyroidism and Is Obese Begins Therapy