A patient is prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Which adverse effect may the nurse assess in this patient?
Select one:
a. Deep vein thrombosis
b. Hyperthyroidism
c. Gastrointestinal (GI)bleeding
d. Hypothyroidism
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. Hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed to patients with hypothyroidism to normalize thyroid hormone levels in the body. The goal is to restore proper metabolic function and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. However, like all medications, thyroid hormone replacement therapy has potential adverse effects, particularly if the dosage is too high.
One of the most significant risks associated with excessive thyroid hormone replacement is the development of hyperthyroidism. When too much thyroid hormone is administered, it can lead to symptoms characteristic of an overactive thyroid. These symptoms include rapid heart rate, palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, tremors, heat intolerance, and increased blood pressure. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, osteoporosis, and even thyroid storm, which is a medical emergency.
Patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy need regular monitoring to ensure that their thyroid levels stay within the therapeutic range. If the hormone dosage is too high, it may need to be adjusted to prevent the onset of hyperthyroidism. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism during follow-up visits and ensure that the patient is educated on the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages and reporting any unusual symptoms.
The other options listed—deep vein thrombosis (a), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (c), and hypothyroidism (d)—are not commonly associated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Hypothyroidism would be the condition that the therapy is intended to treat, so it is unlikely to occur unless the patient is undertreated.