A patient with hypothyroidism begins taking PO levothyroxine [Synthroid]. The nurse assesses the patient at the beginning of the shift and notes a heart rate of 62 beats per minute and a temperature of 97.2°F. The patient is lethargic and difficult to arouse. The nurse will contact the provider to request an order for which drug?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intravenous administration of levothyroxine is used for myxedema coma. This patient is showing signs of severe hypothyroidism,or myxedema. A beta blocker is useful in patients who show signs of hyperthyroidism to minimize cardiac effects. Because the half-life of oral levothyroxine is so long,increasing the PO dose will not provide immediate relief of this patient's symptoms. Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism.

A Patient with Hypothyroidism Begins Taking PO Levothyroxine [Synthroid]