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A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for levothyroxine.
Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?

A. Triiodothyronine.

Triiodothyronine. Triiodothyronine (T3) is one of the thyroid hormones, and monitoring its levels is essential when a client is taking levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), which the body converts into triiodothyronine (T3) Monitoring T3 levels helps ensure that the client's thyroid hormone replacement therapy is effective and that they are not experiencing over- or under-dosage.

B. Prothrombin time.

Prothrombin time. Monitoring prothrombin time is not typically required for clients taking levothyroxine. Prothrombin time is a measure of blood clotting and is not directly affected by thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

C. Blood urea nitrogen.

Blood urea nitrogen. Monitoring blood urea nitrogen is not specifically related to levothyroxine therapy. Blood urea nitrogen is a measure of kidney function and is not typically affected by thyroid hormone replacement.

D. Serum potassium.

Serum potassium. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important for some medications, but it is not a primary concern when a client is taking levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is primarily used to replace or supplement thyroid hormones, and its main focus is on thyroid function.

This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI PN Exit 2023 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now


Full Explanation

Choice B rationale:

Prothrombin time. Monitoring prothrombin time is not typically required for clients taking levothyroxine. Prothrombin time is a measure of blood clotting and is not directly affected by thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Blood urea nitrogen. Monitoring blood urea nitrogen is not specifically related to levothyroxine therapy. Blood urea nitrogen is a measure of kidney function and is not typically affected by thyroid hormone replacement.

Choice D rationale:

Serum potassium. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important for some medications, but it is not a primary concern when a client is taking levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is primarily used to replace or supplement thyroid hormones, and its main focus is on thyroid function.

Choice A rationale:

Triiodothyronine. Triiodothyronine (T3) is one of the thyroid hormones, and monitoring its levels is essential when a client is taking levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), which the body converts into triiodothyronine (T3) Monitoring T3 levels helps ensure that the client's thyroid hormone replacement therapy is effective and that they are not experiencing over- or under-dosage.


Similar Questions

QUESTION
A nurse is providing a client with IV fluids and finds that the IV pump screen is malfunctioning.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Replace the IV pump's tubing.

Replace the IV pump's tubing. Replacing the IV pump's tubing is not the appropriate action when the IV pump screen is malfunctioning. Malfunctioning tubing does not typically affect the pump's screen or settings.

B. Clear the settings and reset the IV pump.

Clear the settings and reset the IV pump. Clearing the settings and resetting the IV pump may not be effective if the screen is malfunctioning. It is important to ensure the accuracy and safety of IV fluid administration, and troubleshooting the screen is not a reliable solution in the case of a malfunction.

C. Plug the IV pump's cord into a different outlet.

Plug the IV pump's cord into a different outlet. Changing the outlet may help if the issue is related to electrical power, but it is not the most appropriate action when the IV pump screen is malfunctioning. Safety concerns and potential equipment issues warrant discontinuing use and tagging the pump.

D. Discontinue use and tag the IV pump.

Discontinue use and tag the IV pump. When the IV pump screen is malfunctioning, the safest and most appropriate action is to discontinue its use and tag the pump. This ensures that the malfunctioning equipment is not used on other patients and that a thorough inspection and repair can be conducted to prevent potential harm to the patient.

Full Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Replace the IV pump's tubing. Replacing the IV pump's tubing is not the appropriate action when the IV pump screen is malfunctioning. Malfunctioning tubing does not typically affect the pump's screen or settings.

Choice B rationale:

Clear the settings and reset the IV pump. Clearing the settings and resetting the IV pump may not be effective if the screen is malfunctioning. It is important to ensure the accuracy and safety of IV fluid administration, and troubleshooting the screen is not a reliable solution in the case of a malfunction.

Choice C rationale:

Plug the IV pump's cord into a different outlet. Changing the outlet may help if the issue is related to electrical power, but it is not the most appropriate action when the IV pump screen is malfunctioning. Safety concerns and potential equipment issues warrant discontinuing use and tagging the pump.

Choice D rationale:

Discontinue use and tag the IV pump. When the IV pump screen is malfunctioning, the safest and most appropriate action is to discontinue its use and tag the pump. This ensures that the malfunctioning equipment is not used on other patients and that a thorough inspection and repair can be conducted to prevent potential harm to the patient.

QUESTION
A nurse is assisting with a community health education program about childhood communicable diseases.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the presentation?

A. Children who have erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) require short-term antibiotic therapy.

Children who have erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) require short-term antibiotic therapy. Erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease, is caused by a virus and does not require antibiotic therapy. It is a self-limiting illness that does not respond to antibiotics.

B. Administration of childhood immunizations will prevent exanthem subitum (roseola infantum)

Administration of childhood immunizations will prevent exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) Exanthem subitum, or roseola infantum, is typically a viral illness and is not prevented by childhood immunizations. It is caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)

C. Restrict fluids for children who have pertussis.

Restrict fluids for children who have pertussis. Restricting fluids for children with pertussis is not recommended. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause severe coughing spells, and it is important to ensure that affected children stay well-hydrated. Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration, which can worsen the condition.

D. Isolate children who have varicella until the vesicles have formed crusts.

Isolate children who have varicella until the vesicles have formed crusts. Isolation of children with varicella (chickenpox) until the vesicles have formed crusts is a standard infection control measure. Varicella is highly contagious, and isolating affected individuals helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Once the vesicles have crusted over, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced.

Full Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Children who have erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) require short-term antibiotic therapy. Erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease, is caused by a virus and does not require antibiotic therapy. It is a self-limiting illness that does not respond to antibiotics.

Choice B rationale:

Administration of childhood immunizations will prevent exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) Exanthem subitum, or roseola infantum, is typically a viral illness and is not prevented by childhood immunizations. It is caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)

Choice C rationale:

Restrict fluids for children who have pertussis. Restricting fluids for children with pertussis is not recommended. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause severe coughing spells, and it is important to ensure that affected children stay well-hydrated. Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration, which can worsen the condition.

Choice D rationale:

Isolate children who have varicella until the vesicles have formed crusts. Isolation of children with varicella (chickenpox) until the vesicles have formed crusts is a standard infection control measure. Varicella is highly contagious, and isolating affected individuals helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Once the vesicles have crusted over, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced.

QUESTION
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has placenta previa.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Rigid abdomen.

Rigid abdomen. A rigid abdomen is not typically associated with placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and it is more likely to present with painless vaginal bleeding rather than abdominal rigidity.

B. Persistent uterine contractions.

Persistent uterine contractions. Persistent uterine contractions are not a characteristic finding in placenta previa. In fact, uterine contractions can be concerning in the presence of placenta previa as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

C. Bright red vaginal bleeding.

Bright red vaginal bleeding. Bright red vaginal bleeding is a common and hallmark symptom of placenta previa. This bleeding typically occurs without pain and can be intermittent or continuous. It is essential to recognize this symptom promptly because it can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications.

D. Increased fetal movement.

Increased fetal movement. Increased fetal movement is not a typical finding in placenta previa. The presence or absence of fetal movement should always be monitored during pregnancy, but it is not a specific indicator of placenta previa.

Full Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Rigid abdomen. A rigid abdomen is not typically associated with placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and it is more likely to present with painless vaginal bleeding rather than abdominal rigidity.

Choice B rationale:

Persistent uterine contractions. Persistent uterine contractions are not a characteristic finding in placenta previa. In fact, uterine contractions can be concerning in the presence of placenta previa as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Bright red vaginal bleeding. Bright red vaginal bleeding is a common and hallmark symptom of placenta previa. This bleeding typically occurs without pain and can be intermittent or continuous. It is essential to recognize this symptom promptly because it can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications.

Choice D rationale:

Increased fetal movement. Increased fetal movement is not a typical finding in placenta previa. The presence or absence of fetal movement should always be monitored during pregnancy, but it is not a specific indicator of placenta previa.