Helen is a 42-year-old mother of three children, who works full time in a department store. She has been feeling extremely tired, has been gaining weight, and she says she feels cold all the time....

Helen is a 42-year-old mother of three children, who works full time in a department store. She has been feeling extremely tired, has been gaining weight, and she says she feels cold all the time. Acting on her feelings that something might be wrong, she goes to her health care provider. Her vital signs at that time are as follows: blood pressure 94/60 mmHg, heart rate 58 beats/min, temperature 36.3°C (97.4°F). Her weight has increased 13.6 kg (30 lb) from when she was last seen 6 months ago. She confirms that her appetite has decreased. After completing a physical examination, the health care provider orders some laboratory tests including T3, T4, and TSH.

1. Based on the patient’s symptoms, what test results would you anticipate?

2. The health care provider orders levothyroxine (Synthroid) 200 mcg PO, daily for Helen. What will you teach Helen about this drug and when to take it?

3. Helen asks you if she will need to be on the medication for very long. How will you answer her?

4. What symptoms should Helen report to the provider while she is taking the Synthroid?