Question

the nurse is reviewing admission prescriptions for a client with myxedema. the nurse should clarify with the healthcare provider which prescription for the client?

a pentobarbital sodium for sleep.

b nitroglycerin for angina pain

c furosemide for relief of fluid retention.

d liothyronine to replace iodine.

Explanation:

Myxedema is related to hypothyroidism. Pentobarbital sodium (a barbiturate) can cause respiratory depression and other adverse effects, and in hypothyroid patients, their metabolic rate is low, which can increase the risk of barbiturate toxicity. Nitroglycerin is appropriate for angina, furosemide for fluid retention (common in myxedema), and liothyronine is a thyroid hormone replacement (not to replace iodine, but to replace thyroid hormone, but the main issue here is the safety of pentobarbital in myxedema). So the nurse should clarify the pentobarbital prescription.

Answer:

A. Pentobarbital sodium for sleep