Final answer:
A nurse should instruct a patient to take thyroid replacement medication on an empty stomach and not to discontinue the medication if experiencing side effects like insomnia, without provider consultation. Beneficial effects may take several weeks, and regular blood tests are needed to ensure proper dosing. Long-term medication necessity varies by the cause of the thyroid disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct information for a nurse to include when teaching a patient about thyroid replacement therapy is d. "Take the medication on an empty stomach." This is important because thyroid medications are best absorbed on an empty stomach to ensure more consistent absorption. When starting thyroid replacement therapy, it should be made clear that beneficial effects of the drug may not be seen until several weeks into the treatment because thyroid hormone levels take time to adjust and normalize in the body. Despite potential side effects like insomnia, a patient should not stop taking the medication without discussing it with their healthcare provider, as the medication is crucial for replacing insufficient hormone levels in conditions such as hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis or after thyroidectomy.
Patient education about thyroid hormone replacement would also include the necessity for regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels, to ensure the correct dosage is being maintained. This is because improper levels can lead to symptoms such as fatigue or weight changes if too low, or symptoms like anxiety and insomnia if too high.
It's a myth that those diagnosed with thyroid disorders must take medication for life; the reality is that treatment depends on the specific cause of the disorder. For instance, hypothyroidism that arises during pregnancy might resolve postpartum. In contrast, conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis typically do require long-term, even lifelong, medication.