Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
When preparing to provide morning medications, the nurse would give levothyroxine (Synthroid) ordered daily in which of the following ways?
A. in the morning with breakfast
This option is not ideal for levothyroxine (Synthroid) because it should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Taking it with food, especially a meal like breakfast, can interfere with its absorption.
B. in the morning on an empty stomach with other daily meds
This is the correct option. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before breakfast or any other medications. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures the best absorption of the medication.
C. in the evening with a snack
Taking levothyroxine in the evening is not recommended. It should be taken in the morning to coincide with the body's natural circadian rhythm and to avoid potential interactions with food or other medications.
D. the morning before breakfast and without any other medications
While it's important to take levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast, it is not necessary to take it without any other medications. It can be taken alongside other daily medications as long as there are no interactions that would affect its absorption.
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Full Explanation
A. This option is not ideal for levothyroxine (Synthroid) because it should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Taking it with food, especially a meal like breakfast, can interfere with its absorption.
B. This is the correct option. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before breakfast, or any other medications. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures the best absorption of the medication.
C. Taking levothyroxine in the evening is not recommended. It should be taken in the morning to coincide with the body's natural circadian rhythm and to avoid potential interactions with food or other medications.
D. While it's important to take levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast, it is not necessary to take it without any other medications. It can be taken alongside other daily medications as long as there are no interactions that would affect its absorption.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?
A. Palpitations
Incorrect. Palpitations, which are rapid or irregular heartbeats, are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where there is an excess of thyroid hormones.
B. Diaphoresis
Incorrect. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not typically associated with hypothyroidism.
C. Exophthalmos
C. Incorrect. Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is a characteristic finding in hyperthyroidism (specifically Graves' disease) and is not typically seen in hypothyroidism.
D. Weight gain
Correct. Weight gain is a common finding in hypothyroidism. The slowing down of metabolic processes due to insufficient thyroid hormones can lead to an increase in body weight.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Palpitations, which are rapid or irregular heartbeats, are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where there is an excess of thyroid hormones.
B. Incorrect. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not typically associated with hypothyroidism.
C. Incorrect. Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is a characteristic finding in hyperthyroidism (specifically Graves' disease) and is not typically seen in hypothyroidism.
D. Correct. Weight gain is a common finding in hypothyroidism. The slowing down of metabolic processes due to insufficient thyroid hormones can lead to an increase in body weight.
The nurse is assessing an older patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What age-related endocrine change should the nurse expect in this patient?
A. More rapid insulin release
Incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in insulin production and a reduction in the speed of insulin release, not an increase.
B. intolerance of fatty foods
Incorrect. Intolerance of fatty foods is not typically an age-related endocrine change. It may be related to other factors such as digestive issues.
C. Decreased sensitivity to insulin
Correct. Decreased sensitivity to insulin is a common age-related endocrine change, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
D. Lower and prolonged blood glucose levels
Incorrect. Lower and prolonged blood glucose levels are not an expected age-related endocrine change. Instead, insulin resistance tends to result in elevated blood glucose levels.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in insulin production and a reduction in the speed of insulin release, not an increase.
B. Incorrect. Intolerance of fatty foods is not typically an age-related endocrine change. It may be related to other factors such as digestive issues.
C. Correct. Decreased sensitivity to insulin is a common age-related endocrine change, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
D. Incorrect. Lower and prolonged blood glucose levels are not an expected age-related endocrine change. Instead, insulin resistance tends to result in elevated blood glucose levels.
When preparing to provide morning medications, the nurse would give levothyroxine (Synthroid) ordered daily in which of the following ways?
A. In the morning with breakfast
Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine with breakfast may reduce its absorption due to food interference.
B. in the morning on an empty stomach with other daily meds
Correct. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before any other medications or food, to ensure optimal absorption.
C. in the evening with a snack
Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the evening with a snack is not recommended. It should be taken on an empty stomach for best results.
D. In the morning before breakfast and without any other medications
Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast is advised, but it should also be on an empty stomach. Additionally, there's no need to avoid other medications if they do not interfere with its absorption.
Full Explanation
A. Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine with breakfast may reduce its absorption due to food interference.
B. Correct. Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before any other medications or food, to ensure optimal absorption.
C. Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the evening with a snack is not recommended. It should be taken on an empty stomach for best results.
D. Incorrect. Taking levothyroxine in the morning before breakfast is advised, but it should also be done on an empty stomach. Additionally, there's no need to avoid other medications if they do not interfere with its absorption.