What will the nurse asses before to a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid)?

What will the nurse asses before to a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid)?

What will the nurse asses before to a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and is prescribed Levothyroxine (Synthroid)?

Why is this medication prescribed?
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). It is also used with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to treat thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine is in a class of medications called hormones. It works by replacing thyroid hormone that is normally produced by the body. Without thyroid hormone, your body cannot function properly, which may result in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, excessive tiredness, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, dry, thick skin, increased sensitivity to cold, joint and muscle pain, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and depression. When taken correctly, levothyroxine reverses these symptoms. How should this medicine be used?
Levothyroxine comes as a tablet and a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levothyroxine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew or crush them. Do not remove the capsule from the package until you are ready to take it. Take the tablets with a full glass of water as they may get stuck in your throat or cause choking or gagging. If you are giving levothyroxine to an infant, child, or adult who cannot swallow the tablet, crush and mix it in 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 mL) of water. Only mix the crushed tablets with water; do not mix it with food or soybean infant formula. Give this mixture by spoon or dropper right away. Do not store it for later use. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of levothyroxine and gradually increase your dose. Levothyroxine controls hypothyroidism but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you notice a change in your symptoms. Continue to take levothyroxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking levothyroxine without talking to your doctor.

 

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