Question

Prepare a teaching plan for your client who is receiving levothyroxine therapy. Be sure to include how to prevent myxedema coma and outline the expected outcomes of successful hypothyroid therapy.

Answer 1

Teaching plan for a patient receiving levothyroxine :-

Patients are advised to take their levothyroxine first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes but preferably an hour before eating, on an empty stomach and with only water. The goal is to achieve consistency in taking the medication to avoid fluctuations in thyroid levels and variable control of symptoms

Myxedema coma can be prevented by early treatment of hypothyroidism , by taking thyroid medication regularly , compliance to medications and recognisation of warning signs

•To report excitability, irritability, anxiety, which indicate overdose

• Not to switch brands unless approved by prescriber

• That product may be discontinued after giving birth; that thyroid panel should be evaluated after 1-2 mo

• That product is not to be taken to reduce weight

• To avoid OTC preparations with iodine; to read labels; to separate antacids, iron, calcium products by 4 hr

• To avoid iodine-rich food, iodized salt, soybeans, tofu, turnips, high-iodine seafood, some bread

• That product is not a cure but controls symptoms; that treatment is lifelong, full effect may take up to 6 wk

#. The expected outcomes of successful hypothyroid therapy is normal thyroid hormone levels.