Question

A nurse is administering Levothyroxine (Syndthroid) to a patient with hypothyroidism. When should the nurse not administer this medication?

1. If the patient is dehydrated
2. If the patient has a BP of 100/50
3. If the patients resting heart rate is more than 100 bpm
4. none of the above

Answer 1

Do not administer Levothyroxine if the patient's resting heart rate exceeds 100 bpm, as it could exacerbate symptoms or cause cardiac issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should not administer Levothyroxine (Synthroid) to a patient with hypothyroidism if the patient's resting heart rate is more than 100 bpm. This is because Levothyroxine can increase heart rate, and administering it to someone with an already elevated heart rate could exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism or lead to cardiac complications. In cases of hypothyroidism, whether due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, removal of the thyroid gland, or iodine deficiency, the level of replacement thyroid hormone must be carefully monitored and adjusted if needed to avoid overcorrection that can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.