Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following indicates the client's dose is too high?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by increasing thyroid hormone levels. If the client's dose is too high, it can lead to hyperthyroidism symptoms, such as tachycardia (fast heart rate), due to an excess of thyroid hormone. Decreased temperature (A) is a sign of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Hypotension (B) is more likely to occur with hypothyroidism, as thyroid hormone helps regulate blood pressure. Constipation (D) is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.