An adult client with hypothyroidism is admitted to the hospital. When reviewing the client's health record, the nurse notes that the client is taking a maintenance dose of levothyroxine. The nurse is also reviewing instructions concerning taking levothyroxine with the client. There is a need for further teaching when the client makes which statement

"How many minutes after meals should I take the levothyroxine dose?"

Explanation:

Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is prescribed for patients with deficiency in the production of thyroxine, a hormone released by the thyroid gland. It is important that this medication is only used with prescription and medical monitoring, where the correct way to take the medication will be shown, solving the problem and decreasing the chances of side effects.

One of the main instructions on the intake of levothyroxine is that it should be taken when the patient has not yet eaten and is on an empty stomach. In this case, a patient who wishes to take the medicine after meals demonstrates the need for additional teaching about the medicine.