Chapter 36: Drugs Used to Treat Thyroid Disease

Chapter 36: Drugs Used to Treat Thyroid Disease

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which medication is used to treat hyperthyroidism?

ANS:  C

Propylthiouracil is an antithyroid agent used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Levothyroxine, liotrix, and liothyronine are used to treat hypothyroidism.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 577        OBJ:   2

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Hormonal Regulation

2. A patient with a history of heart failure has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The drug interaction with glycosides and thyroid replacement therapy will most likely require which change in therapy?

ANS:  B

If thyroid replacement therapy is started while receiving digoxin, a gradual increase in the glycoside will also be necessary to maintain adequate therapeutic activity. Decreasing the digoxin would put the patient at risk for cardiovascular complications. The two treatments can be coordinated. The thyroid medication does not need to be increased.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Page 576        OBJ:   5

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety

3. Which nursing diagnosis may be identified for a patient with hyperthyroidism?

ANS:  C

Hyperthyroidism is caused by an excess amount of thyroid hormones. Patients typically exhibit the following symptoms: rapid, bounding pulse (even during sleep); cardiac enlargement; palpitations; and dysrhythmias. Patients are nervous and easily agitated. Reflexes are hyperactive and the patient typically experiences insomnia. A nursing diagnosis of “Disturbed sleep pattern” would be a common problem. The patient with hyperthyroidism is likely to consume less than body requirements and is not likely to be constipated as a result of the disease. Ineffective airway clearance is not a common problem of patients with hyperthyroidism.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Page 572        OBJ:   4

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Diagnosis

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Sleep; Hormonal Regulation

4. The nurse is providing instruction to a patient recently prescribed a radioactive iodine isotope. Which is the correct action of this medication?

ANS:  C

The thyroid gland absorbs high concentrations of radioactive iodine, which destroys the hyperactive thyroid tissue with essentially no damage to other tissues in the body. Radioactive iodine does not stimulate hormone synthesis, increase hormone storage, or replace deficient hormones.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Page 576        OBJ:   2 | 4

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Safety; Communication; Patient Education; Hormonal Regulation