Levothyroxine: The Importance of RDH Familiarity

Levothyroxine: The Importance of RDH Familiarity Jessica Jarrard As a registered dental hygienist, there are health concerns to remain aware of when providing care to clients, specifically health conditions that the client may or may not be aware of, and more importantly any medications that may affect dental care in general as well as in the office. As a RDH, one should be able to recognize signs and symptoms and be knowledgeable about how the care being provided to the client may be affected by medication and the health conditions associated with its use as it relates to dental health. The top medication prescribed to individuals is Levothyroxine. The use of this medication is common, and it is important for the RDH to be aware of the conditions associated with its use, the effects this medication may have on the care provided or vice versa, as well as how to direct the client for providing aftercare once they have the left the office. Any possible health concerns the RDH may recognize in regards to the use of Levothyroxine are especially import ant if the client has signs of a possible condition that may be associated with its use or if the client may be suffering an adverse effect resulting from a medication interaction that the client may be unaware of. Being familiar with the medication as it relates to the care provided will help the RDH recognize if referring the client to seek further care from their primary medical provider is necessary. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone medication used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition associated with underproduction of hormones secreted within the thyroid gland. Thyroxine, the T4 hormone, is indirectly responsible for regulating many metabolic processes within the body and when deficient or absent can cause a number of health concerns including lethargy, low body temperature, myxedema, intolerance to cold, and weight gain among other, more serious complications (Weinberg, Westphal, Fine, 2008). Although Levothyroxine can regulate the symptoms associated with this health condition, there are also risks involved with long term use of the drug such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, especially among individuals with thyroid cancer (Nelson, 2017). Therapeutically this medication is utilized as a replacement hormone in the absence of Thyroxine (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013). Although there are other treatments available for hypothyroidism , there is no evidence they are better options, and Levothyroxine remains a common treatment and has been proven to work well (What is T4, n.d.). Levothyroxine C15H11I4NO4 is commonly known as Synthroid but is also known by other names such as Eltroxin or Euthyrox in Canada and Levo-T, Levothroid, Levoxyl, T4, Tirosint, and Unithroid depending on the manufacturer marketing the drug (Hopkins, 2006). Although most commonly used to treat hypothyroidism it is also used as a treatment for suppression of euthyroid goiter as well as thyroid cancer which is often directly related (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013, p. 779). Levothyroxine is absorbed through the GI tract and metabolized by the liver and other body tissues by being converted to Triiodothyronine, the T3 hormone, which regulates metabolism in the body as well as other body functions (What is T4 , n.d.). Levothyroxine can be taken intravenously and intramuscularly, although it is commonly prescribed as a single dose, oral medication. Dosages of this medication are determined by many factors including age, weight, severity of the condition being treated, and other present health conditions. As with all medications, individuals with certain health conditions should use caution while taking Levothyroxine. These include individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease, renal insufficiency, and uncorrected adrenocortical disorders as well as pediatric and geriatric patients who should be monitored especially close as they are more vulnerable to complications or risks associated with any medication or illness (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013). Dosages are increased at regular intervals, usually bi weekly and should be taken in the morning, as the risk for insomnia is increased with its use. It is important that this medication is taken at the same time daily and should not be stopped wi thout consulting the prescribing physician, as it may result in negative health consequences (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin,2013). When taking this medication, it is important that patients understand that treatment with Levothyroxine is not a cure for hypothyroidism and should be considered a lifelong therapy. Patients should also understand that it may have an effect on other body systems, resulting in undesirable symptoms such as headache, insomnia, irritability, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, tachycardia, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, hyperthyroidism, menstrual irregularities, heat intolerance, weight loss, and accelerated bone maturation in children. These adverse effects are usually only seen when excessive doses of the medication cause iatrogenic hyperthyroidism (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013, p. 780). Some other medications have been known to interact in conjunction with Levothyroxine and should not be taken together unless directed by a physician. These medications include Warfarin, some diabetic medications, and Estrogen, which may increase the effects of Levothyroxine. Other supplements or foods which contain calcium, iron, and zinc prevent absorption of Levothyroxine and should also not be taken in conjunction. If these medications or supplements are needed, it is best to do so under the care of a physician who can monitor any potential risks or effects and make adjustments in health care accordingly (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013). The use of Levothyroxine is increasingly common in individuals and can cause undesirable effects if not considered when providing dental care as well as any other care to clients. For instance, a common side effect of this medication is xerostomia. This side effect can cause a number of risks to clients as the mouths essential, protective enzymes, which are provided and carried through saliva, are depleted or completely absent. Without this level of protection, the teeth and gums become weak and vulnerable to excessive damage from routine dental care as well as other normal activities, such as eating. It has been reported that there is almost four times greater prevalence of xerostomia in patients taking medications (28%), compared with those not taking any (7.5%) (Risk factors, hyposalivation, 2017). If the RDH is aware of this side effect, whether or not it is a result of the medication, adjustments in dental care can be made preventing further damage. The RDH can also provide repl acement therapy for the missing enzymes by offering products or medications that supplement these enzymes to prevent further dry mouth. All RDH should be educated and aware of the signs and symptoms of disorders or health conditions associated with Levothyroxine and the possible risks involved when providing dental care for a client taking this medication. Understanding how the medication works and the effects it has in conjunction with other medications, supplements, or medical/dental treatments will not only serve to protect the client from any further risks or complications regarding care, but will also allow the RDH to perform client services more effectively and with greater success to the clients well-being. References Flaitz, C., Shlafer, M., Tornwall, R., Viola, T. (2014). Mosby Dental Drug Reference 11th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby. Haveles, E. (2011). Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier. Joe (MSC Nutrition). (n.d.).What is T4 and T3: The complete guide. Retrieved from https://www.dietvsdisease.org/t4-t3-thyroid-hormone levels/?hilite=%22levothyroxin%22 Nelson, R. (2017). High risk for CHD and stroke in patients with thyroid cancer. Retrieved from www.medscape.com/viewarticle/875375 Niklander, S., Veas, L., Barrera, C., Fuentes, F., Chiappini, G., Marshall, M. (2017). Risk factors, hyposalivation and impact of xerostomia on oral health-related quality of life. Pub Med, 31. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttextpid=S180683242017000100211lng =ennrm=isotlng=en#B12 Vallerand, A., Sanoski, C., Deglin, J. (2013). Daviss Drug Guide for Nurses 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Weinberg, M., Westphal, C., Fine, J. (2008). Oral Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

Jairo Morales Homwork

Lu is the person who handles looks after loan applications. 5 Mailman has announced that it will be intro icing _bringing out a new online payment system in the fall. 6 Can you check _ look up the bank reference code in the directory? 7 The government has decided to advance bring forward the date for submitting tax returns. 8 The bank has refused _turned down my application for a loan. 9 The exact conditions are explained set out in detail in the contract. 10 You need to provide proof of identify before you an open _set up an account.C Choose two of the verbs from the list below. How many phrasal verbs can you make by combining them with the prepositions or adverbs from box 2? Check come cut fall get go look make pay put run settle Check out/ up fall down/ out Grammar Check 2 A The modals can, could, might, may, should, will, and shall are used to express different degrees of likelihood. Look at their use in the sentences below. In which of the three categories (a, b, or c) would you include them? A Possible b Impossible c Certain Customers can't withdraw more than $300 a day in cash. B 2 It can take at least a month before a home loan is approved. _a 3 The insurance company will charge you for the whole year even if you don't deice to cancel after the first month. _ c 4 To cash a check for more than $200, clients may be asked to provide ID. _a 5 It could be difficult to get your associates to agree to those conditions. A _ 6 We shall need written confirmation Of the transfer request. _c 7 You might find it more convenient to do your banking by phone. A_ 8 The bank won't cover overdrafts beyond the specified limit. C B Read the sentences and choose the correct answer (a or b). 1 It b take longer than two days to process your applications. A couldn't B shouldn't lend you an additional $ 1000 if you maintain your credit record. A can B won't 3 They've promised that all the paperwork a _ be ready before next week. A will B may 4 It be better to ask if you can repa y the money in installments. A might shall 5 I'm afraid that we _ a accept payment in cash. A can't B mightn't 6 The local bank closes at six so B should Conclusion: be able to get there in time.A can Being weak in grammar poses a great challenge to ourselves, especially while writing and speaking. This often becomes a major problem. Nowadays most communication is through writing, be it courtesy mails, proposals, invoices, quotations, or invites. People who are into advancing their careers, their businesses, and those on the lookout for personal enrichment have no choice but to polish their grammar, especially the tenses. This will ensure the communication gets understood correctly and avoid misunderstandings.

The Dangers of Facebook

They found that 65% of Facebook users accessed their account daily, usually checking it several times to see if they had received new messages. The amount of time spent on Facebook at each log-in varied from just a few minutes to more than an hour. The Ohio report shows that students who used Facebook had a â€Å"significantly† lower grade point average – the marking system used in US universities – than those who did not use the site. â€Å"It is the equivalent of the difference between getting an A and a B,† said Karpinski, who will present her findings this week to the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association.She has not yet analysed whether a student’s grades continue to deteriorate the longer he or she spends on Facebook. Some UK students have already spotted the potential danger. Daisy Jones, 21, an undergraduate in her final year at Loughborough University, realised the time she was spending on Facebook was threatening her grades – prompting her to deactivate her account. â€Å"I was in the library trying to write a 2,000-word essay when I realised my Facebook habit had got out of hand,† she said. â€Å"I couldn’t resist going online.You do that, then someone’s photo catches your eye. Before you know it, a couple of minutes has turned into a couple of hours and you haven’t written a thing. † Jones is among the few to have recognised the risks. According to Karpinski’s research, 79% of Facebook-using students believed the time they spent on the site had no impact on their work. Facebook said: â€Å"There is also academic research that shows the benefits of services like Facebook. It’s in the hands of students, in consultation with their parents, to decide how to spend their time. †

Nuclear Power and Its Problems - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 508 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/08/16 Category Energy Industry Essay Level High school Tags: Nuclear Power Essay Did you like this example? Nuclear power occurs from a series of reactions that causes the build-up and release of energy which in turn generates heat. This heat is then used as steam to power turbines which helps produce the electricity. The production of this electricity is used to power many things including but not limited to homes, schools, business etc. (What Is Nuclear Power And Energy? | GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy) Nuclear power is considered safe when compared with some other energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. However, some issues do exist when producing the nuclear power. One of the issues with nuclear power is controlling the rate of the reactions during the production of nuclear power/energy. If the reaction becomes unmanageable and the reaction cant be contained this can lead to a meltdown causing high levels of radio-active fall out. Such an example of this occurred in Chernobyl 1986 – the reactor exploded due to loss of electricity, Three Mile Island – March 28 1979 – the water supply in the circuit malfunctioned causing the circuit to overheat due to the lack of the electricity, Fukushima Daiichi March 2011 – An earthquake caused the nuclear plant to shut down because of no electricity, the reactors over heated causing a disaster,   to mention a few (A Brief History Of Nuclear Accidents Worldwide) . Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Nuclear Power and Its Problems" essay for you Create order Another example of the possible problems that can arise from nuclear power is the disposal of the waste products from the reactions. Once the waste material is produced they are radio-active and can stay radioactive at very high levels for many years. This could potentially cause a huge concern, as if this radio-active waste gets into the wrong hands, the waste can be used in nuclear weapons. (Nuclear Reprocessing: Dangerous, Dirty, And Expensive) Although the above-mentioned situations have occurred with nuclear power, the United States of America benefits from the use of nuclear power, without it there would be no electricity. The USA produces more nuclear power that any other country, producing more than 30% of nuclear generation of electricity. Since the production of electricity from the nuclear power plant is continuous, this saves the USA money for example, on the cost of other fuels such as petrol.   Another reason it is beneficial to the USA is that it reduces the cost of coal and oil as the nuclear power can be used as an alternative source. Cars can now be run on electricity instead of fuel, a cleaner and safer alternative to fuel (Nuclear Power In The USA World Nuclear Association) Although, Nuclear power has its problems, where would our country and the world be without it. Think about not having electricity in your home, you cant watch TV, use the computer, cook, keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the list is endless. This is why nuclear power is a necessity. With all the safety protocols put in place during the production of nuclear power, it is clean, safe and necessary for the United States and the rest of the World.