Hypothyroid Medication Flashcards
Hypothyroid medication
Levothyroxine
MOA Levothyroxine
Synthetic t4- produces various psychological effects, including increasing metabolism
Mimic thyroid hormone goal is to increase etabolic rate, CO, and alertness
Why should we test the elderly thyroid
A lot of the s/s they experience is not only because they are old but because there is a possibility of hypothyroidism
Adverse effects of Levothyroxine
Thyrotoxicosis
Indications of thyrotoxicosis
Can be extreme like thyroid storm or it can be as little as having the jitters or grumpy
How should Levothyroxine be started
Slowly we dont want to over do it all of a sudden
Contraindications of Levothyroxine
Acute MI, CVD , thyroxicosis
If they have not received thyroid education before we want to make sure heart is at stable state
What should you assess when giving Levothyroxine
VS BP, weight history of ; weight change, diet energy level mood and temp response
What is the dosing for Levothyroxine
In microgram So read carefully
What test should we monitor for Levothyroxine
Thyroid function test results and glucose levels ( so we can make sure glucose is not being overstimulated)
When is the best time to tae levothyroxine
In the morning before breakfast
On an empty stomach
An avoid giving with other medications
Teach pt s/s of thyrotoxicosis
Jitters, irritability , weight loss more than 5lb ina wk (we want to avoid losing too much too fast)
Can also be thyroid storm
How long does pt take levothyroxine
Life long therapy and daily
What signs should pt report immediately to HCP
Chest pain , nervoussness, tremors, sleeplessness, het intolerance , excessive sweating
Why shouldn’t pt stop taking Levothyroxine abruptly
Can throw them into myxedema if they discontinue suddenly if pt skips dose sometimes its mild concern
Chest pain- sign of thyroxine
