RN Nursing · Thyroid Medications · Practice question
A nurse is assessing a client who was prescribed levothyroxine tablets for hypothyroidism. Which of the following statements by the client indicates they are taking the medication correctly?
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"l take my medication while I am eating breakfast"
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"l avoid green leafy vegetables in my diet"
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"l take my medication along with a calcium supplement"
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✓
"l take my medication with a full glass of water."
Answer & explanation
Correct: "l take my medication with a full glass of water."
Levothyroxine must be taken on an empty stomach, typically 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal of the day, to maximize absorption. Taking the medication with a full glass of water facilitates swallowing and helps ensure the tablet is completely dissolved and absorbed without interference from food. The statement about taking the medication with a full glass of water is the most consistent with correct administration practice. Taking levothyroxine while eating breakfast is incorrect because food significantly reduces its absorption by up to 40%. Avoiding green leafy vegetables is advice given to patients on warfarin therapy due to vitamin K content, not for levothyroxine. Taking levothyroxine alongside a calcium supplement is incorrect because calcium (as well as iron, antacids, and certain other minerals) chelates with levothyroxine and substantially decreases its absorption — supplements should be taken at least four hours apart from levothyroxine. The client's statement about using a full glass of water reflects understanding that the tablet should be taken simply and separately from food and interfering substances, making it the indicator of correct medication use.
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