Question

A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client who had a thyroidectomy and takes a thyroid hormone replacement. Which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to include?

A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
B. Discontinue the medication if experiencing palpitations
C. Double the dose if a dose is missed
D. Take the medication with calcium-rich foods

Answer 1

A nurse should instruct a client on thyroid hormone replacement to take the medication on an empty stomach, never double up a missed dose, and avoid calcium-rich foods when taking the medication. The levels of replacement thyroid hormone must be monitored as they control metabolism and maintain overall health.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse who is developing a teaching plan for a client who has had a thyroidectomy and takes a thyroid hormone replacement should instruct the client to:

1. Take the medication on an empty stomach, as food can interfere with the medication's absorption.
2. Monitor for signs such as palpitations, which may indicate that the dose of medication needs adjustment, but do not discontinue the medication without consulting a healthcare provider.
3. Do not double the dose if a dose is missed; instead, take the next dose as scheduled and discuss any missed doses with a healthcare provider.
4. Avoid taking the medication with calcium-rich foods or supplements at the same time because calcium can interfere with the medication's effectiveness.

It is essential that the level of replacement thyroid hormone be carefully monitored and adjusted as needed because thyroid hormones regulate the rate of metabolism in cells throughout the body. Abnormal levels can lead to symptoms such as fatigue or heart problems like tachycardia. The hormone calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis, but it is not a primary concern in thyroid hormone replacement therapy.