The patient is taking levothyroxine (a thyroid medication)for hypothyroidism.What should the nurse instruct the patient to do when teaching the patient how to assess her own blood pressure and pulse?
A)Withhold the medication if her blood pressure is above the normal range or if her pulse is over 100 beats per minute.
B)Withhold the medication if her blood pressure is below the normal range or if her pulse is less than 60 beats per minute.
C)Never withhold her medication.Have the patient take it and notify the physician at the next office visit.
D)Withhold her medication only if both her blood pressure and pulse rate are too high.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Instruct patients taking thyroid medications to withhold medications when blood pressure is above the normal range or when pulse is above 100 beats per minute.Confirm with the prescriber specific guidelines for blood pressure and pulse,document information in the home care record,and provide clear,written instructions for the patient.Beta blockers (e.g. ,propranolol),calcium channel blockers (e.g. ,verapamil hydrochloride),or cardiac glycosides (e.g. ,digoxin)often are withheld if blood pressure is below normal range and/or pulse is below 60 beats per minute.

The Patient Is Taking Levothyroxine (A Thyroid Medication)for Hypothyroidism