Practice Question
A nurse is preparing teaching for a client prescribed levothyroxine. Which instruction about timing should the nurse provide to ensure optimal absorption?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Take levothyroxine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait another 30 to 60 minutes before taking any other medications.
Rationale:
🟦 Levothyroxine is best absorbed in the small intestine when the stomach is empty, making timing critical for effectiveness.
🟦 Taking the medication in the morning before food prevents interference from calcium, iron, fiber, and other drugs that reduce absorption.
🟦 Waiting 30–60 minutes allows for optimal bioavailability and consistent thyroid hormone levels.
🟦 Consistent timing helps maintain stable TSH levels, which is essential for managing hypothyroidism.
🟦 This instruction reflects evidence-based practice for achieving maximum therapeutic effect.
Take levothyroxine simultaneously with other medications and food in the morning
🟦 Food and many medications significantly decrease levothyroxine absorption.
🟦 This practice can lead to subtherapeutic hormone levels.
Take levothyroxine at bedtime immediately after eating
🟦 Taking levothyroxine after meals reduces intestinal absorption.
🟦 Bedtime dosing is only effective if taken on an empty stomach, which is not the case here.
Take levothyroxine only when symptoms worsen
🟦 Levothyroxine is a daily maintenance medication, not a PRN drug.
🟦 Skipping doses disrupts hormonal balance and worsens hypothyroid control.
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This question is from ATI Custom LPN Pharm 2 NSG 2310 Final Exam Fall 2025 which contains 52 questions.
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From Exam
ATI Custom LPN Pharm 2 NSG 2310 Final Exam Fall 2025
52 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4