Brenda Zalewski, a 45-year old woman, had a goiter as a child and a thyroidectomy at age 12. She has been taking a synthetic thyroid preparation since that time
Brenda Zalewski, a 45-year old woman, had a goiter as a child and a thyroidectomy at age 12. She has been taking a synthetic thyroid preparation since that time. Ms. Zalewski takes a maintenance dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid) 0.1 mg orally daily. She is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds.
While Ms. Zalewski is in the hospital, the nurse is administering her medications. Hospital routine is to administer all once-daily medications at 9:00 AM. When reviewing the medication administration orders, the nurse notes that Ms. Zalewski is to receive levothyroxine at 9:00 AM. Patients usually receive their breakfast trays between 8:00 and 8:30 AM.
- What action should the nurse take with regard to the administration of Levothyroxine?
Ms. Zalewski has been discharged from the hospital and is being seen by the home care nurse. During the visit, the nurse reviews all of Ms. Zalewski’s medications. Ms. Zalewski states she is taking aluminum hydroxide gel (Amphojel) every morning when she arises to prevent gastric distress after breakfast.
- How will the administration of Amphojel affect her levothyroxine?
- What patient teaching should the home care nurse provide to Ms. Zalewski?
Rubric
