Endocrine I Flashcards
List the 3 hormones that the Thyroid Gland produces?
Hormones T3, T4 and Calcitonin
What is the action of Calcitonin?
Calcitonin decreases serum calcium levels by taking calcium out of the blood and pushing it back into the bone.
What does the body need Iodine for?
To make hormones ( This is dietary iodine -what you eat)
What does Thyroid Hormone give us?
Energy
What does Hyperthyroid mean?
What is the name of the disease known to hyperthyroidism?
Too Much Energy Graves Disease ( Think Don Knots)
List the Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Nervous Irritable Decreased Attention Span - wild energy cannot focus Decreased Weight Increased Appetite Increased G.I. -borborygmi Increased BP and Pulse - Arrhythmia's/palpitations Sweaty/Hot Exophthalmos Thyroid bigger - Hypertrophy
How is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed?
- By checking blood levels - Increased Serum Thyroxine (T4)
- Thyroid Scan - Hypertrophy
- Ultrasound/MRI/CT
If a Pt. is going for a thyroid scan what must they discontinue and for how long?
Discontinue any iodine containing medication, 1 week prior to the thyroid scan and must wait 6 weeks to restart medications.
What Anti-arrithythmic drug contains high levels of iodine and may affect thyroid function?
Amiodarone - (Cordarone)
How do we treat Hyperthyroidism?
MEDICATIONS: 1. Anti-thyroids 2. Iodine Compounds 3. Beta- Blockers - supportive therapy 4. Radioactive Iodine Therapy AND 5. Surgery - Thyroidectomy
Describe the Actions of Anti-thyroids
Known as: Methimazole (Tapazole) or Proplthiouracil (PTU)
- Stops the thyroid from making thyroid hormones.
- Its used for PRE-OP to stun the thyroid.
- We want this Pt. to b/c Euthyroid - EU = NORMAL
Describe the Actions of Iodine Compounds
-Known as: Potassium Iodine (SSKI and Lugol’s solutions).
- Given PRE-OP to decrease the chance of bleeding.
- Decrease the size and vascularity of the gland.
- All endocrine glands are very vascular.
- Given in milk or juice , and use straw b/c stains teeth.
Describe the Actions of Beta Blockers (lol) Supportive Therapy.
Known as: Propanolol (Inderal)
- Decreases myocardial contractility
- Could decrease cardiac output
- Decreases HR, BP
- Decreases Anxiety
Describe the Actions of Radioactive Iodine Therapy (One dose):
- Fight or Flight Hormones
- Given PO - either liquid or tablet form
- RULE OUT PREGNANCY FIRST
- Destroys thyroid cells - HYPOTHYROID
- Expect Hypothyroidism
- Follow Radioactive Precautions-no babies/kissng for 1 wk
- THINK: Unsealed Radio Precautions for Oncology.
- Watch for thyroid storm (thyrotoxicosis /thyrotoxic crisis). It is hyperthyroidism x100. Can be a rebound effect post-radioactive iodine. - Its Emergency = heart attack.
What patients should you not give Beta Blockers to?
Asthmatics and Diabetics - can hide hyperglycemia
Describe the Action of Beta Blockers
Beta Blockers block EPI and NOR-EPI so you can remain calm. HR and BP do not increase therefore decreasing Myocardial contractility and brain perfusion.
Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Storm
Nervous, Shaky,Jittery
Cold/Clammy
Increased HR
Hyperglycemia
What does the nurse assess after a Thyroidectomy (Partial/Completely)?
Post Op: Priority - Hemorrhage
Assess for hemorrage by - reports feelings of pressure in the neck area b/c swelling and bleeding can occur.
Assess for bleeding at incision site and behind neck.
Assess for recurrent laryngeal nerve damage by listening for hoarseness /weak voice. Can lead to vocal cord paralysis.
Paralysis in both vocal cords = airway obstruction and will require immediate tracheotomy.
What is important to have at the bedside of a Thyroidectomy (Partial/Completely) Pt? For what reasons?
Trach Set
- Swelling
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage
- Hypocalcemia
- Assess for parathyroid removal by deceased calcium
- Not sedated
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypocalcemia
- Rigid Tight Muscles
- Seizures
- Tetany
- Laryngeal Spasm
Eye care is important for a client with Hyperthyroidism. What should the nurse teach the patient if they are unable to close their eyes?
- Hypoallergenic tape may be applied to close lids.
- Dark glasses may be worn if photosensitivity is present.
- Artificial Tears are used to prevent drying of the eyes.
- Tx. of hyperthyroidism does not correct eye/vision probs.
What should the nurse teach the Pt. after Thyroidectomy (Partial/Completely)?
- Teach how to support neck-pillows to support neck
- Put personal items close to them- b/c suture line
- Positioning: Elevate HOB to decrease edema
- Nutrition (pre/post op: Pt. needs more calories b/b burning so many.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
- No Energy- Fatigue
- No Expression
- Speech slow, slurred, to tired to talk.
- Weight Increase
- G.I. Slow
- Cold - no heating pad b/c can’t tell if its hot.
- Amenorrhea (no period)
- Pt. maybe totally immobile
- Can be confused with depression
- Long term S&S
- puffiness
- facial edema
- tongue perfusion
- myxedema
How is Hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Thyroxine (T4) Decrease
TSH Increase
Opposite lab values for Hyperthyroidism
How is Hypothyroidism Treated?
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid) - most common
- Liothyronine (Cytomel)
- Take on empty stomach
- ppl. with Hypothyroidism tend to have CAD.
- Monitor for rhythm changes
- Monitor for MI when these medicines are started.
- Take meds forever
- Energy increases when start these taking meds
Describe Parathyroid Problems
The Parathyroids secrete PTH, which makes you pull calcium from the BONES and place it in the blood. Therefore, the serum calcium level goes up!