Test 6 CH 17 Flashcards
A patient diagnosed with hypothyroidism has been prescribed treatment with a thyroid hormone agonist. The patient asks you how long this drug will need to be taken. What is your best response?
a. “You will need to take this drug for the rest of your life.”
b. “You will need to take this drug until your symptoms improve.”
c. “You will need to take this drug until your thyroid hormone level normalizes.”
d. “You will need to take this drug incrementally until you reach the maximum
tolerated dose.”
ANS: A
A patient taking levothyroxine sodium is pregnant and tells you she plans to breastfeed her
baby. What should you tell this patient?
a. “While it is safe to breastfeed, this drug will limit your milk supply over time.”
b. “Breast-feeding is safe when taking this drug, but not with other thyroid
hormones.”
c. “You should not breastfeed your infant because this drug passes into your
breastmilk.”
d. “You may breastfeed while hospitalized and your thyroid hormone levels can be
checked.”
ANS: C
The action of which drug is known to be increased by thyroid hormone replacement drugs?
a. Warfarin (Coumadin)
b. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
c. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
d. Fiber supplements (FiberCon)
ANS: A
Which assessment is most important to perform before giving an elderly patient who is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) the first dose of the drug?
a. Measuring heart rate and rhythm
b. Determining level of consciousness
c. Asking about an allergy to “sulfa” drugs
d. Checking intake and output for the last 24 hours
ANS: A
How do thyroid replacement drugs work to treat hypothyroidism?
a. Forcing the thyroid gland to secrete more thyroid hormones
b. Inhibiting the enzymes that break down thyroid hormones
c. Preventing damage to thyroid endocrine cells
d. Providing thyroid hormones
ANS: D
A patient who has been prescribed propylthiouracil (Propacil) asks you how this drug works to reduce thyroid hormone levels. What is your best response?
a. “This drug combines with the enzyme that connects iodine to tyrosine.”
b. “This drug works by activating thyroid hormone in the pituitary gland.”
c. “This drug activates the gene for metabolism, speeding up cellular work.”
d. “This drug works by interfering with the thyroid hormone feedback loop.”
ANS: A
You are caring for a patient who is taking an antithyroid drug for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Which assessment should be performed before giving this drug?
a. Check the pulse rate for irregular rate and rhythm.
b. Check the blood pressure for hypertension.
c. Check the skin and sclera for yellowing.
d. Check the lower extremities for edema.
ANS: C
A patient taking an antithyroid drug for one week calls you and states that the symptoms of hyperthyroidism have not improved yet. What is your best response?
a. “You will need to have your blood level of the drug checked.”
b. “This drug must be taken for 3 to 4 weeks to start being effective.”
c. “This may mean you have formed thyroid antibodies against this drug.”
d. “I will let your healthcare provider know so your dose can be adjusted.”
ANS: B
You are caring for an elderly patient taking an antithyroid drug. Which of the following conditions is associated with an adverse effect in this patient?
a. Decreased complete blood count
b. Increased urine output
c. Decreased blood pressure
d. Increased platelet count
ANS: A
A patient you are caring for develops a goiter. What does the appearance of a goiter mean?
a. Hypothyroidism
b. Hyperthyroidism
c. Thyroid problem
d. Premature menopause
ANS: C
A patient with adrenal hypofunction has a known aldosterone deficiency and has been prescribed Fludrocortisone (Florinef). The patient asks you how this drug works to treat this problem. What is your best response?
a. “This drug acts like natural aldosterone in the body.”
b. “This drug permits potassium to be retained in the body.”
c. “This drug acts to retain glucose for action within the body.”
d. “This drug permits the excretion of sodium from the body.”
ANS: A
A patient prescribed Fludrocortisone (Florinef) calls to report a weight gain of 3 lb. in the last week to you. What is your best response to this patient?
a. “You will need to cut all salt from your diet for a few days to see if this resolves.”
b. “Your diet may contain too many carbohydrates for your body to process.”
c. “I will notify your healthcare provider right away and get back to you.”
d. “This is an expected side effect of this drug.”
ANS: C
Which side effects are most common when taking any drug to manage adrenal gland hyperfunction?
a. Decreased urine output and increased sweating
b. Blurred vision and dry mouth
c. Headache and mouth sores
d. Nausea and vomiting
ANS: D
Which drug is used only for patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercortisolism?
a. Mitotane (Lysodren)
b. Mifepristone (Korlym)
c. Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel)
d. Methimazole (Northyx, Tapazole)
ANS: B
A patient experiencing symptoms related to menopause asks you to explain the cause of her
symptoms. What is your best response?
a. “Symptoms of menopause are caused by low levels of estrogen and high levels of
FSH.”
b. “Symptoms of menopause are caused by high levels of estrogen and low levels of
FSH.”
c. “Symptoms of menopause are caused by low levels of estrogen and low levels of
FSH.”
d. “Symptoms of menopause are caused by high levels of estrogen and high levels of
FSH.”
ANS: A