INDEX NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet

(You will need to made additional copies of these forms)

Generic Trade Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency
Name Name hormones 75-125mcg PO daily (1.5mcg/kg/day)
levothyroxine Synthroid thyroid
preparations

Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
1-3 weeks unknown 1-3 weeks
Why is your patient taking this medication?

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

Replacement/substitution in diminished or absent thyroid
function.
Thyroid cancer (some forms)
Replacement in deficiency states with restoration of normal
hormonal balance.
Suppression of thyrotropin-dependent thyroid cancers.
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Bile acid sequestrants; warfarin; insulin; oral hypoglycemic
agents; estrogen; adrenergics; beta blockers.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity; recent MI;
thyrotoxicosis; alcohol intolerance; hypersensitivity to beef; use cautiously in:
CVD; severe renal insufficiency; uncorrected adrenocortical disorders;
swallowing difficulty; geriatric.
Common side effects insomnia; irritablity; nervousness; headache;
cardiovascular collapse; arrhythmias; tachycardia; angina pectoris; hypotension
increased BP; increased CO; cramps; diarrhea; vomiting; levothyroxine tablets;
choking; gagging; dysphagia; increase sweating; hyperthyroidism; menstrual
irregularities; weight loss; heat intolerance;
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Take at same time every day; check apical pulse (hold if >100); call doctor for
HA; nervousness; diarrhea; excessive sweating; heat intolerance; chest pain;
palpitations; weight loss (>2lb/wk); take with water (may get stuck
in throat, and difficulty swallowing if not.

Nursing Process - Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment
Vital signs (apical pulse BP) for tachyarrhythmias
and chest pain.
Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
this med? Resolution of symptoms of hypothyroidism;
hyperthyroidism Diuresis; weight loss; increased sense of well
pulse >100 being; increased energy; pulse rate; appetite;
psychomotor activity; normalization of skin
texture and hair; correction of constipation.