Question

The patient is a 43-year-old woman who is sched

a hysterectomy later today. During her preadmission testing,
her vital signs are T = 100, P = 88 with several "skipped" beats,
20, BP 160/148. She is 5'6" and weighs 110 lb. Her
levothyroxine (Synthroid) 200 mcg daily, and aspirin 81 mg
current drugs are metoprolol (Toprol 50 mg) for hypertension,
that her blood pressure problem is being managed and that
daily. When you ask her about her hypertension, she shouts
you should focus on her impending surgery. Then she apolo-
gizes for her behavior and says that she has not been sleeping
well lately, probably because of worrying about the scheduled
surgery.
Enerbilio
1. What type of drug is levothyroxine?
2. What are the side effects of this drug?
3. Which, if any, vital sign abnormalities, patient-reported
signs or symptoms, and observed physical attributes and
behavior(s) could be attributed to this drug? Provide
rationales for your selections.
4. What should you do with this information?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

1.Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the hormone thyroxine, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. It is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

2.The side effects of levothyroxine can include:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Chest pain

Tremors

Nervousness

Headache

Insomnia

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Weight loss

3.The patient's vital sign abnormalities, including an elevated temperature, elevated blood pressure, and skipped beats, are not typically associated with levothyroxine use. However, the patient's reported symptoms of nervousness and insomnia could be side effects of the drug. Additionally, levothyroxine can interact with other medications, including metoprolol, which the patient is taking for hypertension, and could potentially cause or exacerbate blood pressure abnormalities.

4.As a healthcare provider, it is important to take note of all medications the patient is taking, including the dosage and frequency, in order to identify any potential drug interactions or adverse effects. In this case, the patient's reported symptoms of nervousness and insomnia could be related to her levothyroxine use, and the interaction between levothyroxine and metoprolol should be considered. The patient's blood pressure abnormalities should also be monitored closely, and the surgeon and anesthesiologist should be informed of the patient's medications and vital signs prior to the surgery. The patient should also be advised to report any new or worsening symptoms to her healthcare provider.