Graves Disease Flashcards
What is Graves disease?
Autoimmune disease
How does Graves disease begin?
Cells outside thyroid activate
What causes the increase in thyroid hormone in Graves disease?
TSI (sometimes called TSH receptor antibody) attaches to thyroid cells. TSI mimics TSH and stimulates thyroid too produce too much hormone.
In Graves, thyroid produces excessive amounts of?
T3 & T4
Most common form of hyperthyroidism?
Graves disease; 50-80% of cases of hyperthyroidism
Cause of Graves?
Unknown
Graves results from?
Type II hypersensitivity
When does thyroid storm occur?
When Graves is not treated
S/S of thyroid storm?
Severe symptoms of palpitations, irregular HR, HF, fever, shock, confusion, death
Risk factors for Graves?
Genetics, females, 20+ years or older, environmental factors
What is TSI?
Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin; overrides normal regulatory mechanisms
Abnormal TSH?
Below 0.1 mcg/mL
Best indicator of primary hyperthyroidism?
TSH DAWG
TSH levels are measured and compared with?
T4 levels to differentiate pituitary from thyroid dysfunction
What does T3 measure?
Bound & free forms of thyroid hormone
What does T4 measure?
TH concentration & tests thyroid gland function
What nursing interventions would decrease S/S or complications of Graves?
Elevate HOB, limit salt intake, exercise eye muscles, evaluate visual activity, don’t smoke, improve symptoms, slow production of thyroid hormone, give eyedrops, tinted glasses like John Lennon
