MCP Endocrine System Flashcards
1
Q
Overview of Thyroid Hormone
A
- Produced by the thyroid gland
- Two forms: tiiodothronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)
- T3 is more potent than T4
- Has effects on nearly every system in the body
- Regulates metabolism, growth, development, and more
2
Q
Hypothyroidism: Definition, Causes
A
- Deficient thyroid hormone production
- Causes:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Severe iodine deficiency
- Congenital hypothryoidism
3
Q
Hyperthyroidism: Definition, Causes
A
- Excess thyroid hormone production
- Causes:
- Graves’ disease
- Thyroid nodule
- Postpartum throiditis
4
Q
Hypothyroidism: Symptoms
A
- Cold intolerance
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Decreased libido
5
Q
Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms
A
- Heat intolerance
- Sweating
- Weight Loss
- Increased heart rate
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Exopthalmos (bulging eyes)
6
Q
Hypothyroidism: Treatment (General Term)
A
- Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
7
Q
Hyperthyroidism: Treatment (General Term)
A
- Anti-Thyroid medications
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- Ultimately leads to hypothroidism
- Surgical removal of thyroid gland
- Ultimately leads to hypothroidism
8
Q
Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Generic vs. Brand
A
- Generic: levothyroxine
- Brand: Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid
- Note: bioavailability may differ between different brands/products
9
Q
Thyroid Hormone Replacement: MOA
A
- Mimics the endogenous thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4)
10
Q
Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Dosing
A
- Titration is necessary
- Dose varies depending on the patient
- 25-200 mcg daily is common
11
Q
Levothryoxine Counseling Point: Administration
A
- Take 30-60 min before the first meal of the day
- Take with a full glass of water
- Separate from antacids, iron supplements, and multivitamins by 4 hours
12
Q
Levothryoxine Counseling Point: Side Effects
A
- Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
- Indicate that dosing is too high
- Be able to tell the patient what these symptoms are
- Decreased bone mineral density
- With long-term therapy
13
Q
Levothyroxine: Follow-Up and Monitoring
A
- Patient will begin to see symptom improvement within about 2 weeks
- May take 6-8 weeks to see normalized thyroid stimulating (TSH) levels
- Follow up with prescriber 4-6 weeks after beginning therapy
- Monitor TSH levels throughout course of therapy
- Every 6-12 months
- Do not abruptly discontinue this medication
14
Q
Levothryoxine: Precautions, Contraindications, and Drug Interactions
A
- Severe adverse effects include cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Contraindiciations
- Recent acute myocardial infarction
- Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- Drug Interactions include:
- Warfarin (anticoagulant)
- Levothryozine may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin
- Antacids, iron supplements and multivitamins
- May decrease absorption of levothyroxine
- Separate by 4 hours
- Warfarin (anticoagulant)
15
Q
What is Osteoporosis?
A
- Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass
- The bones become weak and brittle, making them more suseptible to fracture
- Referred to as a “silent disease”
- Often diagnosed after a fracture occurs
- Most commonly affects those over age 50 years
- 80% og those affected are women
- 80% og those affected are women
16
Q
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
A
- Older age
- Female
- Caucasian or Asian
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Dietary factors such as inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake
- Certain illneses and medications
- Family history of osteoporosis