A client receives a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which statement made by client indicates to the nurse that the education was effective?
A.
Take medication on an empty stomach.
B.
Avoid the use of iron supplements.
C.
Administer levothyroxine at bedtime.
D.
Consume foods that are high in iodine.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Take medication on an empty stomach.
Explanation:
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Proper administration of levothyroxine is crucial for effective treatment and avoiding potential complications.
Taking on an Empty Stomach: The correct administration of levothyroxine involves taking the medication on an empty stomach, typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Food can significantly decrease the absorption of levothyroxine, leading to inadequate hormone levels in the body and ineffective treatment. The presence of food in the stomach can bind to the medication and reduce its bioavailability, meaning that less of the drug enters the bloodstream, thereby diminishing its effectiveness.
Other Options:
- B. Avoid the use of iron supplements: While it is true that iron supplements can interfere with levothyroxine absorption, this is not the most critical point of client education. If a client requires iron supplements, they should take them several hours apart from levothyroxine to prevent interaction, but taking the medication on an empty stomach remains the priority.
- C. Administer levothyroxine at bedtime: Levothyroxine should generally be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Although some studies suggest it can be effective at bedtime if taken on an empty stomach, this is not the standard recommendation and could be confusing to clients.
- D. Consume foods that are high in iodine: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, but once hypothyroidism is diagnosed and treatment with levothyroxine begins, dietary iodine typically does not need to be emphasized unless the client has specific dietary needs or restrictions. The primary concern is ensuring proper medication absorption.
Conclusion: Client education is vital in managing hypothyroidism with levothyroxine. Emphasizing that the medication must be taken on an empty stomach to maximize absorption ensures that the client receives the full therapeutic benefit, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the education provided.