EXAM 2: Thyroid Flashcards
What is T3?
T3 is the more active form of the thyroid hormone and more potent and rapid acting then T4
What is the relationship between calcium and phosphorus?
they have an inverse relationship
What nutrient is vital for a healthy functioning thyroid and prevention of a goiter?
iodine
What is the 2nd most common endocrine disorder?
Hyperthyroidism
What is thyrotoxicosis?
excessive output of thyroid hormone (thyroid storm)
What will the lab results say for a patient who has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?
- low TSH and a high T3/T4
What will the lab results say for a patient who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
- high TSH and a low T3/T4
What can result from hyperthyroidism?
- graves disease
- thyrotoxicosis
- exophthalmos
- toxic adenoma
What can result from hypothyroidism?
- hashimotos (thyroiditis)
- myxedema
What causes hypothyroidism?
- atrophy of the thyroid with aging
- therapy for hyperthyroidism
- medications
- radiation to the head or neck
- iodine deficiency/excess
How is hypothyroidism treated?
- with levothyroxine:
> synthetic T4 thats converted to T3
> start with low dosage (50mcg) and do
not switch brands
> take first thing in the AM on a empty
stomach
> wait 30-60 minutes before eating
breakfast or taking other medications
How is hyperthyroidism treated?
- propylthiuracil and methimzaole
- radioactive I131
- Na and K iodine solutions
- beta blockers
- thyroidectomy
- ** medication is short term and may result in hypothyroidism ***
How should you prep a patient for a thyroidectomy?
- reduce stress and anxiety
- no caffeine
- explain procedure
- demonstrate post up nursing care
What should you do post-op after a patient has had a thyroidectomy?
- monitor the dressing for bleeding/hematoma (check back of neck)
- monitor respirations and pain
- place in a semi-fowlers position
- assess the voice but discourage talking (patient will be hoarse)
- assess for hypocalcemia (PTH may have been removed)
What are the s/sx of hyperparathyroidism?
- kidney stones ***
- hypercalcemia
- hypophosphatemia
How is hyperparathyroidism treated?
- parathyroidectomy (Tscore <2.5)
- stay very hydrated
- mobility = reduction in calcium excretion
- avoid excess calcium
What causes hypoparathyroidism?
- thyroidectomy
- parathyroidectomy
- radical neck dissection
What are the s/sx of hypoparathyroidism?
- hypocalcemia
- hyperphosphatemia
How is hypoparathyroidism treated?
- calcium gluconate
- pentobarbital (decreases neuro irritation)
- parathormone (monitor allergic rxn)
- calm environment
- diet high in Ca & vit. D but low in PO
What lab values indicate a problem with the thyroid?
- high TSH and a low T3/T4
- low TSH and a high T3/T4
What lab values indicate a problem with the pituitary gland?
- high TSH and a high T3/T4
- low TSH and a low T3/T4
