Question

A nurse is assessing a client who is taking propylthiouracil for the treatment of Graves disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of the medication has been effective?

A) Weight gain
B) Bradycardia
C) Decreased T3 and T4 levels
D) Increased blood pressure

Answer 1

Decreased T3 and T4 levels are the indication that propylthiouracil is effective for treating Graves' disease, a type of hyperthyroidism, as it should lead to normalization of thyroid hormone levels and resulting symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is concerning the effects of propylthiouracil, a medication used to treat Graves' disease, which is a form of hyperthyroidism. The nurse is looking for signs that indicate the medication's effectiveness in treating this thyroid disorder. Among the list of potential findings, the indicator of medication effectiveness is C) Decreased T3 and T4 levels. Graves' disease is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland which results in high levels of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, leading to a high basal metabolic rate (BMR), weight loss, and increased heart rate. Therefore, effective treatment with antithyroid drugs like propylthiouracil should result in a reduction of these hormone levels, which in turn can help bring the BMR and other hyperthyroid symptoms toward normal levels.