Chapter 31, Problem 1CS

(1)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Explain the laboratory studies that need to be performed before drug therapy with propylthiouracil has started.

Case summary:

R.C., a 28-year-old woman, has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to Grave’s disease. Her health care provider has explained the proposed therapy with propylthiouracil to her and her husband. She has no other health problems at this time.

(2)

Summary Introduction

To list:

The R.C. asks, “What do I need to know while I’m taking this drug?” List pertinent patient teaching points.

Case summary:

R.C., a 28-year-old woman, has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. Her health care provider has explained the proposed therapy with propylthiouracil to her and her husband. She has no other health problems at this time.

(3)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

After 1 month of therapy, R.C. comes to the health care provider’s office for a follow-up visit. She is upset because a friend told her about a relative who had antithyroid therapy for cancer and said he was “radioactive.” She is wondering if her medication has made her “radioactive”. How will the nurse answer her question?

Case summary:

R.C., a 28-year-old woman, has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. Her health care provider has explained the proposed therapy with propylthiouracil to her and her husband. She has no other health problems at this time.

(4)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Six months later, R.C. calls the office and says, “I think I might be pregnant. What do I do about taking this drug?” What does the nurse need to tell her?

Case summary:

R.C., a 28-year-old woman, has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease. Her health care provider has explained the proposed therapy with propylthiouracil to her and her husband. She has no other health problems at this time.