Page 1471 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

medications, especially over-the-counter medications, without first consulting with
her or his PHCP.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Evaluating
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning
Content Area: Pharmacology: Endocrine Medications: Corticosteroids
Health Problem: N/A
Priority Concepts: Client Education; Safety
Reference: Skidmore-Roth (2017), pp. 966-967.

520. Answer: 1, 3, 4

Rationale: Common side effects of methimazole include nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea. To address these side effects, this medication should be taken with food.
Because of the increase in metabolism that occurs in hyperthyroidism, the client
should consume a high-calorie diet. Antithyroid medications can cause
agranulocytosis with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Sore throat, fever,
headache, or bleeding may indicate agranulocytosis and the primary health care
provider should be notified immediately. Methimazole is not radioactive and should
not be stopped abruptly, due to the risk of thyroid storm.
Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject, nursing considerations for
administering methimazole. Focus on the client’s diagnosis. Think about the
pathophysiology associated with the diagnosis and the medication and the actions
and effects of antithyroid medications to assist in answering correctly.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process—Implementation
Content Area: Pharmacology: Endocrine Medications: Antithyroid Medications
Health Problem: Adult Health: Endocrine: Thyroid Disorders
Priority Concepts: Clinical Judgment; Safety
Reference: Skidmore-Roth (2017), pp. 761-762.

521. Answer: 1, 2, 5

Rationale: Insomnia, weight loss, and mild heat intolerance are side effects of
levothyroxine sodium. Bradycardia and constipation are not side effects associated
with this medication, and rather are associated with hypothyroidism, which is the
disorder that this medication is prescribed to treat.
Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject, side effects of levothyroxine. Thinking
about the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism and the action of the medication will
assist you in determining that insomnia, weight loss, and mild heat intolerance are
side effects of thyroid hormones.
Level of Cognitive Ability: Applying
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process—Assessment
Content Area: Pharmacology: Endocrine Medications: Thyroid Hormones
Health Problem: Adult Health: Endocrine: Thyroid Disorders

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