Endocrine - Hyperthyroidism (Too much Energy/Grave's Disease) Flashcards
The Thyroid gland produces what 3 hormones?
T3, T4, Calcitonin
_____________ decreases serum calcium levels by taking calcium out of the blood and pushing it back into the bone ?
Calcitonin
What do you need to make hormones ?
Iodine
Thyroid hormones give us _________ ?
Energy !
A Hyperthyroid is also known as what ?
Graves Disease (Too much energy!)
Signs & Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease) ?
- Nervous
- Irritable
- Decreased attention span
- Increased appetite
- Decreased weight
- Sweaty/hot (b/c of increased energy and sweat production)
- Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
- Fast GI
- Increased BP and HR
- Arrhythmias/palpitations
- Thyroid size increases
Eye care for Grave’s eye disease ?
- Sunglasses
- apply cool compress for moisture
- lubricating eye drops
- Elevate HOB to reduce swelling
- Steroids and/or surgery may be needed
Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease)
- Would a T4 (thyroxine) level be increased or decreased ?
Increased
Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease)
Would TSH be increased or decreased ?
Decreased
Are Thyroid scans used to diagnosis Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease) ?
Yes
How far in advance should Iodine containing medications be discontinued prior to a thyroid scan ?
1 week prior
How long after a thyroid scan (Hyperthyroidism) must a pt. wait to restart medications (iodine containing?)
6 weeks
What are treatments for Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease) ?
- Anti-thyroids
- Iodine compounds
- Beta Blockers (supportive therapy)
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery
What are 2 Anti-thyroid medications used for Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease) ?
- Methimazole (Tapazole)
- Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Which of the 2 anti-thyroid medication is the favorite and why ?
Methimazole
- Because its a single dose with less side effects :)
What do Anti-thyroid medications do ?
Stop the thyroid from making thyroid hormones
For a patient with Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease), why are we giving Anti-thyroid medications ?
We want the patient to become euthyroid
eu = Normal