A patient is started on levothyroxine (Synthroid)50 mcg daily.Which laboratory result should a nurse identify as an indication that this treatment is effective?
A)Free triiodothyronine (T3)decreases.
B)Free thyroxine (FT4)decreases.
C)Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)level decreases.
D)Total thyroxine (T4)decreases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The goal of levothyroxine therapy is to restore normal thyroid hormone levels. TSH levels are the most sensitive and specific test for assessing thyroid function. Since TSH levels are elevated in hypothyroidism, a decrease in TSH levels would indicate that treatment is effective. Decreases in T3, FT4, or T4 levels may indicate overmedication, undermedication, or other thyroid disorders, but not necessarily the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy.

A Patient Is Started on Levothyroxine (Synthroid)50 Mcg Daily