Editing Medical-Surgical Nursing – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 11==
The licensed practical nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which statement indicates correct understanding?
# "I will take it in the morning on an empty stomach, before breakfast."
# "I will stop taking it once my energy level returns to normal."
# "I will take it at bedtime with my calcium supplement."
# "I will take an extra dose on days when I feel very tired."

'''Answer:''' Option 1, taking it in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast.

''Rationale:'' Levothyroxine is absorbed best on an empty stomach and is taken in the morning to avoid insomnia, with food delayed at least 30 to 60 minutes. Option 2 is unsafe, because therapy is lifelong and feeling better means the dose is working. Option 3 is incorrect, because calcium and iron significantly reduce absorption. Option 4 is unsafe, because self-adjusting the dose can cause symptoms of excess thyroid hormone, including palpitations and dysrhythmias.