Question

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is prescribed for a client with Graves' disease. The nurse

should teach the client to immediately report which of the following?
1. Sore throat.
2. Painful, excessive menstruation.
3. Constipation.
4. Increased urine output.

Answer 1

The client prescribed PTU for Graves' disease should be instructed to immediately report a sore throat, as it could indicate a serious condition like agranulocytosis, which is a drop in white blood cell count.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating Graves' disease with the antithyroid medication Propylthiouracil (PTU), the nurse should instruct the client to immediately report a sore throat. This symptom may signify a potentially serious side effect called agranulocytosis, where the white blood cell count drops, increasing the risk of infection. Because PTU can affect the production and function of white blood cells, any symptom suggesting infection should be evaluated promptly.

Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder, causes hyperthyroidism due to overproduction of thyroid hormones, leading to an increased basal metabolic rate (BMR), weight loss, and other symptoms. Antithyroid drugs like PTU aim to decrease the production of thyroid hormones, helping to manage these symptoms. However, since these medications can have serious side effects, such as hepatic failure and agranulocytosis, patients must be aware of which symptoms to report to their healthcare provider immediately, which in this case includes a sore throat.