Endocrine DIsorders Flashcards
risk factors for hypothyroidism
Hashimoto Disease
Thyroidectomy
Head and neck cancer
Women > Men
Elderly
early clinical manifestations for hypothyroidism
fatigue to somnolence,
loss of libido to amenorrhea,
apathy to mental and physical sluggishness,
nonpitting edema to pleural and pericardial effusions
hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin are common
constipation
Paresthesia (numbness and tingling of the fingers) and nerve entrapment syndrome
hearing loss may occur
late signs of hypothyroidism
slow speech
subdued emotional responses
apathy
absence of sweating
cold intolerance
constipation
thickening of skin (due to accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in subcutaneous tissues)
dyspnea
weight gain
thinning of hair
alopecia
deafness
On assessment, patients usually present with swelling of eyelids, pitting edema, bradycardia, hypotension, and hypothermia
the most extreme, severe stage of hypothyroidism resulting in pt being hypothermic and unconscious
myxedema coma
why is myxedema coma life threatening
leads to swelling of the tongue and respiratory drive is depressed
management of hypothyroidism
hormone replacement
restoration of euthyroid state as safely and rapidly as possible
levothyroxine (synthroid)
teaching necessary for use of levothyroxine
It may take 8 weeks to see the full effect
∙ Report signs of hyperthyroidism
∙ Tachycardia, heart palpitations,
weight loss, insomnia, anxiety ∙ Monitor T4 & T3 levels
∙ Take once a day (in the morning before breakfast) ∙ Take at the same time everyday
∙ Take on an empty stomach
causes of hyperthyroidism
Enlarged thyroid gland
Thyroiditis
Graves’ disease
Over medication- hypothyroidism
Thyroid nodules
clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism
Exophthalmos
Weight loss
Tachycardia / Atrial Fibrillation
Hyperthermia
Decreased fertility
Increased peristalsis
Loss of bone minerals
complications of hyperthyroidism
Thyrotoxicosis
Thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid storm
what is the difference between thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm
Thyrotoxicosis is a common endocrine condition that may be secondary to a number of underlying processes.
Thyroid storm (also known as thyroid or thyrotoxic crisis) represents the severe end of the spectrum of thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by compromised organ function
management of hyperthyroidims
Nutritional therapy
Radioactive iodine
-Beta-adrenergic blocking agents
Surgery
Antithyroid agents
goals for management of hyperthyroidism
Block adverse effects of thyroid hormones
Suppress hormoneover secretion
Prevent complications
diet for pt with hyperthyroidism
high in carbs and proteins
radio active iodine: What does it do? How long does it take to become effective or for symptoms to resolve?
destroy overactive thyroid cells
2-3 months
Thyroidectomy: What is your role for this patient following surgery? What should you assess? How should you position your patient? What complications should you monitor for?
administer preop medications
possibly iodine
position in fowler’s position
monitor for bleeding, hematoma
assessment of pt with thyroid disorders
History
Assessment
-Cardiovascular assessment
-Respiratory Assessment
-HEENT
-Skin, hair, and nails
Monitor vital signs
planning for pt with thyroid disorders
Experience relief of symptoms
Maintain a euthyroid state
Maintain a positive self-image
Comply with lifelong thyroid replacement therapy
Improve nutritional status
Improve coping ability
Maintenance of normal body temperature
Absence of complications
nursing diagnoses for hypothyroidism
Activity intolerance
Constipation
Impaired memory
Altered body temperature
nursing diagnoses for hyperthyroidism
Altered nutrition
Ineffective coping
Altered body temperature
Discomfort