Nurs 605 Module 11 Flashcards
Describe the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism
low levels of TSH, elevated levels of TSH to try and stimulate excess TSH (remember negative feedback)
What are the clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism?
may be asymptomatic, non specific symptoms hair loss, brittle nails fatigue, dry skin constipation cold intolerance
What are the causes of hypothyroidism
iodine deficiency (rare) autoimmune disorder
What serum biomarker level would be abnormal in a person with hypothyroidism
increased levels of TSH
What are the pharmaceutical choices for someone with hypothyroidism
levothyroxine
liothyronine
What is the mechanism of action of levothroxine
synthetic T4 isomer that converts to T3
What are some considerations when dosing levothyroxine?
takes about 6 weeks to reach steady state
dose changes can occur every 4-6 weeks
In what patient population would you want to start low levels of levothyroxine in?
elderly patients with CAD
start at 12.5mcg
What is the mechanism of action of liothyronine?
synthetic T3
What is first line choice of medication for hypothyroidism? Second choice?
levothyroxine
liothyronine
Why is liothyronine a second choice drug for hypothyroidism?
less tolerated than levothyroxine
are you allowed to use levothyroxine and liothyonine together?
no!
What are some considerations for pregnant women that are on thyroid medications?
TSH lower due to HcG levels
thyroid drugs are safe in pregnant women
Why is it necessary to increase thyroid medications in pregnant women? How many would you increase by>?
TSH levels are lower due to increased HcG levels
need to increase thyroid meds by 2 tabs/week then adjust
Describe the pathophysiology of hyperthyroidism
increased production of TSH
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism
usually caused by autoimmune disease such as Graves
tumour, cancer, excess iodine levels (rare)
What are the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism?
eyelid lag protruding eyeballs goiter palipitations heat intolerance excess sweating
What is a thyroid storm and its clinical manifestations?
life threatening manifestation of excess thyroid hormone diarrhea liver failure hypoxia tachycardia changes in LOC fever
What are the non pharmalogical therapies for hyperthyroidism?
cut it out, removal of thyroid
goiter removal
What are some pharmaceutical choices for hyperthyroidism?
iodine ablation -radiation of iodine
beta blockers- control HR; prevents conversion of T4 to T3
PTH/methimazole- prevents conversion from T4 to T3
What are some considerations for pregnant women with hyperthyroidism?
mostly due to Graves disease
manageable, should treat to upper levels of T4 and T3
What are the phamaceutical choices for pregnant women with hyperthyroidism?
PTH is preferred treatment in 1st trimester
What is a potential adverse effect of individuals taking PTH or methmiazole?
can develop neutropenia; usually occurs in the first 90 days
What are some considerations for breastfeeding women on antithyroid medications for hyperthyroidism?
can have detrimental effects on the mother
babys TSH levels should also be checked in case baby is suspected of hyperthyroidism
What is the main regulator of blood sugar, and when is it stimulated? Where is it produced?
insulin -main regulator
stimulated when there is too much glucose in the blood
produced in the pancreas, b cells
What is stimulated when there is not enough glucose in the blood?
glucagon