levothyroxine Flashcards
What is the classification of levothyroxine?
thyroid hormone
What is the pharmacotherapeutics (use) for levothyroxine?
used as replacement therapy in hypothyroidsim of any etiology.
How is levothyroxine administered?
oral
what is the pharmacodynamics of levothyroxine?
acts as replacement for natural thyroid hormone. results in increased O2 consumption, RR, HR, growth and maturation, speed of fat, protein, and CHO metabolism, and BMR.
What are the contraindication and precautions of levothyroxine?
hypersensitivity, thytotoxicosis, and acute MI complicated by hypothyroidsim, because metabolic stimulating effects of med could worsen MI and cause further cardiac arrhythmias
What are the adverse effects of levothyroxine?
HTN, tachycardia, arrhythmias, anxiety, HA, nervousness, GI irritation, sweating, and heat tolerance. All are associated with over-dosage.
what are the nursing Dx for levothyroxine?
most common - Imbalanced Nutrition: More than body requirements R/T dietary intake in excess of metabolic demands secondary to hypothyroidism
- desired outcome: the patient will maintain normal body weight, describe reasons why weight gain may occur, discuss nutritional needs related to age, lifestyle, and diagnosis, and discuss the effects of exercise and diet on weight control
how to maximize therapeutic effects of levothyroxine?
replacement of therapy is a lifelong occurence.
during drug therapy, monitor cardiovascular response and serum thryoid function
how to minimize adverse effects of levothyroxine?
young adults without evidence of coronary artery disease can begin a full replacement dose of levothyroxine
What are the patient and family education of levothyroxine?
explain the purpose of drug therapy
advise patients to avoid OTC drugs
What are the ongoing assessment and evaluation of levothyroxine?
in patients taking levothyroxine, monitor serum thyroid hormone levels periodically.
