NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Name Synthroid hormones 50 mcg PO Daily
Levothyroxine
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
1-3 wk unknown 1-3 wk Usual maintenance dose is 75-125 mcg/day

Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Hypothyroidism N/A

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

(Why med ordered)
Principal effect is increasing metabolic rate of body tissues, ex:
Promote gluconeogenesis, Increase utilization and mobilization
of glycogen stores, Stimulate protein synthesis, Promote cell
growth and differentiation
Indicated for replacement/substitution in diminished or absent
thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, Recent MI, Thyrotoxicosis/ Use cautiously in pt’s with
severe cardiac disease, renal insufficiency, uncorrected adrenocortical
disorders, and swallowing difficulty .
Common side effects
arrhythmias, tachycardia, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, weight loss

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
none
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
If the pt becomes toxic, it will be manifested in hyperthyroidism that can
range from a little serous to very serious depending on how high the
levels of thyroid hormones are.
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Instruct patient to take medication as directed at the same time each day.
Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for next
dose. If more than 2-3 doses are missed, notify health care professional.
Do not discontinue without consulting health care professional. Instruct
patient and family on correct technique for checking pulse. Dose should
be withheld and health care professional notified if resting pulse >100
bpm. Explain to patient that medication does not cure hypothyroidism; it
provides a thyroid hormone. Therapy is lifelong. Advise patient to notify
health care professional if headache, nervousness, diarrhea, excessive
sweating, heat intolerance, chest pain, increased pulse rate, palpitations,
weight loss >2 lb/wk, or any unusual symptoms occur. Emphasize
importance of follow-up exams to monitor effectiveness of therapy.
Thyroid function tests are performed at least yearly.

Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment)
Check pulse rate, weigh pt, and ask pt about
insomnia, irritability and nervousness.
Why would you hold or not give this
med?
You would hold the dose and contact the
physician if the pulse was higher than 100
bpm and or if the patient has had significant
weight loss.
Check after giving
Diuresis, weight loss, Increased
sense of well-being, energy, pulse
rate and apetite, Normalization of
skin texture and hair and correction
of constipation