Hypothyroidsim Flashcards
The endocrine system is a
Network of glands and organs that regulate hormone production
The thyroid gland is located
At the front of the neck
What are the functions of the thyroid gland ?
- help regulate metabolism
- produce hormones
What are the hormones produced by the thyroid gland
-T3 (tri-iodothyronine)
- T4 ( thyroxine )
- calcitonin
What regulates thyroid hormone production ?
Pituitary gland and hypothalamus
What is the function of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
Controls the release of hormone to the blood
What is the function of TRH ( thyroid regulating hormone) ?
Stimulates the release of TSH
What’s does an increase in T3 & T4 cause ?
Decreased lvl of TSH
What does a decrease in T3 & T4 cause ?
Increase in TSH
What do T3 and T4 regulate ?
- phys growth and mental development ( heel prick test in newborns)
- metabolism
What’s is secreted by the parathyroid ?
PTH (parathyroid hormone )
What are some of the complications associated with the thyroid gland
-hypothyroidism
-hyperthyroidism
What is hypothyroidism ( hyxoedema) ?
Thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones
What are the S+S of hypothyroidism ?
-fatigue
-^ sensitivity to cold
- constipation
- dry skin + thinning hair
- hoarseness
- muscle + joint probs
- ^ blood cholesterol lvl
- menstrual changes
- depression
-impaired memory
- slowed HR
- goitre
What is goitre ?
Enlargement of the thyroid gland
What are some of the characteristics of goitre ?
-mass on neck that moves on swallowing
- autoimmune
- benign/malignant
- thyroiditis
What is a hyxodema coma ?
Severe hypothyroidism resulting in a decompensated metabolic state + mental status
- bcs of long-standing untreated hypothyroidism
Describe the physical nursing assessment done for hypothyroidism
- head 2 toe :
- head- depression/anxiety, malaise, fatigue, memory, hair thinning, puffy face
- neck- hoarseness, goitre, swallow test
- torso- muscle weakness, menstrual changes, abdo pain, dry skin, wgt gain, constipation
- extremities- cold, clammy swelling
- vitals- BP, HR, RR,Temp etc
-wgt
- monitor ECG 2 look for abnormal rhythm
What are the blood tests done 4 hypothyroidism ?
- thyroid function test
- serum T4 + T3
- T3 resin uptake test
- TSH test
- radioactive iodine uptake test
What is the medication mgt in relation to hypothyroidism
- oral meds given to replace missing hormones and return T3 +T4 bck to normal
- eg. Thyroxine 50-100mcg/daily ]
L-thyroxine
What is the consequence of starting thyroxine replacement ?
Needs to be taken 4 rest of life
- reg blood tests done 2 monitor lvl of thyroid hormones
What is the nursing mgt 4 hypothyroidism ( Alt nutrition)
- small meals often
- supplements
- food chart and I&O chart
- involve dietician
- oral hygiene
What is the nursing mgt for hypothyroidism ( Alt bowel habit)
- stool chart
-laxatives as prescribed - fibre, fruit + good fluid intake
- monitor wgt gain
What is the nursing mgt 4 hypothyroidism ( Alt skin integrity)
- emollients as prescribed
- check 4 skin breaks
- do not use tap water when cleansing dry skin
- no washcloth - rough texture can irritate
- lightly pat dry
- temp reg
What is done in relation to activities lvl 4 hypothyroidism
- balance between sedentary + mobile
- take into acc pts exercise tolerance nd fatigue
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism ?
Hashimoto’s disease
What is Hashimoto’s disease?
- immune sys attacks thyroid
- inflam 4rm hashimoto’s often leads 2 under active thyroid gland - hypothyroidism
