Hormones/Synthetic Substitutes/Modifiers (12)

Question 1

LEVOTHYROXINE (T4): Nursing Considerations

Answer 1

• PO: onset 24 hours
• PO: take at same time daily to maintain blood level; take on empty stomach
• Do not switch brands unless directed
• Avoid OTC meds with iodine and iodized salt, soybeans, tofu, turnips, walnuts, some seafood, some bread
• Medication controls symptoms and treatment is lifelong
• Separate antacids, iron, and calcium products by 4 hours
• Rx; Preg Cat A

Question 2

LEVOTHYROXINE (T4): Side Effects

Answer 2

• Weight loss
• Arrhythmias, tachycardia
• Insomnia, irritability
• Nervousness
• Heat intolerance
• Menstrual irregularities
• Thyroid storm
• Hypertension

Question 3

LEVOTHYROXINE (T4): Purpose

Answer 3

Management of hypothyroidism and myxedema coma

Question 4

RISEDRONATE: Nursing Considerations

Answer 4

• Onset: within days, peak 30 days, duration up to 16 months
• Take in a.m. before food or other meds with full glass of water; remain upright for 30 minutes
• Take with calcium and vitamin D if instructed by provider
• Rx; Preg Cat C

Question 5

RISEDRONATE: Side Effects

Answer 5

• Weakness, headache
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Bone, back, joint pain
• UTI
• Fractures
• Chest pain, hypertension
• Hypocalcemia
• Hypophosphatemia

Question 6

RISEDRONATE: Purpose

Answer 6

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and Paget disease

Question 7

CALCITONIN: Nursing Considerations

Answer 7

• subQ: give at bedtime to minimize nausea and vomiting, rotate injection sites
• IM: give only with epinephrine emergency medications
• IM/subQ: onset 15 minutes, peak 4 hours
• Rx

Question 8

CALCITONIN: Side Effects

Answer 8

• Headache
• Weakness, dizziness
• Chest pressure, hypertension
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Salty taste
• Diuresis, nocturia
• Flushing
• Myalgia, tingling of hands
• Dyspnea, bronchospasms

Question 9

CALCITONIN: Purpose

Answer 9

Treatment of hypercalcemia, Paget disease, and osteoporosis

Question 10

ALENDRONATE: Nursing Considerations

Answer 10

• Onset: 1 month, peak 3–6 months, duration 3 weeks to 7 months
• Take in a.m. before food or other meds with full glass of water; remain upright for 30 minutes
• If dose missed, skip dose; do not double dose or take later in the day
• Take with calcium and vitamin D if instructed by provider
• Rx; Preg Cat C

Question 11

ALENDRONATE: Side Effects

Answer 11

• Esophageal ulceration
• GI distress
• Musculoskeletal pain, bone fractures
• Hypophosphatemia
• Hypocalcemia
• Angioedema

Question 12

ALENDRONATE: Purpose

Answer 12

Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and Paget disease