NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

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

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Levothyroxin Synthroid Thyroid hormone 0.025 mg PO Every day
sodium preparation
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
1 to 3 weeks Unknown 1 to 3 week N/A

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

(Why med ordered)
Thyroid supplementation in hypothyroidism, treatment or
suppression of euthyroid goiters and thyroid cancer.
Replacement of or supplementation to endogenous thyroid
hormones. Principal effect is increasing metabolic rate of body
tissues. Promote glycogen stores. Aid in development of brain and
CNS.
Ordered for: thyroid problems
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity, recent MI, hyperthyroidism.
Use cautiously in: cardiovascular disease.
Common side effects
Nervousness, headache, insomnia, dysphagia, arrhythmias, agina
pectoris, hypotension, tachycardia.

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal Lab value alterations caused by medicine
medicines (ask patient specifically) Monitor thyroid function studies prior to and during therapy, monitor
Bile acid sequestrants, increase cardiovascular effects with TSH 8 to 12 weeks after starting, monitor blood and urine glucose in
adrenergics. diabetic patients.

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this

medication
Take meds how and at same time each day, do not discontinue without
contacting a professional, therapy is lifelong, do not change brands,
notify professional of weight loss of more than 2 lbs a week, avoid other
medications, importance of follow up exams.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess apical pulse and blood pressure and periodically med? Assess apical pulse and blood
during therapy, assess for tachyarrhythmias and chest Allergies pressure.
pain. Decrease in TSH levels