# Which instruction should the nurse give a client who is starting levothyroxine?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397256&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medication Administration  
> category: PPT

## Question

Which instruction should the nurse give a client who is starting levothyroxine?

## Option

1. Take the medication only when symptoms of fatigue occur.
2. Take the medication at the same time each morning on an empty stomach. **✔ Correct answer**
3. Stop the medication when the pulse returns to normal.
4. Take the medication with calcium supplements to improve absorption.

**Correct answer: 2**

## Explanation

Levothyroxine is taken consistently, often in the morning on an empty stomach, to support stable absorption. It is not taken only as needed and should not be stopped without guidance. Calcium can interfere with absorption and is usually separated from the dose.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Levothyroxine administration teaching.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Levothyroxine administration teaching, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Levothyroxine** — Synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.
- **Absorption** — Movement of a medication from the gastrointestinal tract into circulation.
- **Hypothyroidism** — A condition of insufficient thyroid hormone activity.

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