Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
Hyperthyroidism (definition)
Excessive circulating thyroid hormone
What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
Thyroixine (T4), thiiodothyronine (T3), and thyrocalcitonin (calcitonin)
Negative feedback mechanism
When T3 and T4 levels decrease, TSH is released by the anterior pituitary
Hyperthyroidism (risk factors)
- Grave’s disease (most common)
- Toxic nodular goiter
- Exogenous hyperthyroidism: caused by excessive dosages of thyroid hormone
Hyperthyroidism clinical manifestations
- Nervousness, irritability, hyperactivity
- Heat intolerance
- Weight loss and increased appetite
- Insomnia and interrupted sleep
- Diarrhea
- Menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea)
- Initial increase in libido, then decrease
- Smooth, moist skin
- Tremor
- Exophthalmos (Grave’s disease)
- Hair loss
Lab tests
- Decreased TSH
- Elevated T3
Diet for Hyperthyroidism
-Increased calories, protein
Pt education (for diet)
- Noniodized salt
- Avoid fish, shellfish, and meds containing iodine
Treatment for hyperthyroidism
- Thyroidectomy (total or subtotal)
- Radioative iodine therapy
Thyroid Storm
- Medical emergency
- Precipitating factors: infection, trauma, emotional stress, diabetic ketoacidosis, surgery (increases demands on body metabolism)
- S/S: hyperthermia, HTN, delirium, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperglycemia, tachdysrhythmias, chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations
Thyroiditis
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Results from a viral infection of the thyroid
S/S of Grave’s Disease
- Goiter
- Pretibial myxedema
- Manifestations of hyperthyroidism
Pharmacotherapy/Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
- Antithyroid agents (methimazol)
- Beta-blocker (propanolol) to block SNS effects
- Acetaminophen for hyperthermia
- Administer O2 for increased oxygen demands
Diagnoses for Hyperthyroidism
- Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output
- Disturbed Sensory Perceptin (Visual)
- Imbalanced Nutrition (Less Than Body Requirements)
- Disturbed Body Image