T. Thyroid Flashcards
Thyroid Gland
- two lobes
- regulated by the anterior pituitary gland (TSH)
- thyroid secretes three hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin
- hormones that control metabolism—the way your body uses energy.
- The thyroid’s hormones regulate vital body functions, including: Breathing. Heart rate
Euthyroid
- The state of having normal thyroid gland function.
* As opposed to hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroid (underactive thyroid).
Hyperthyroidism
- too much thyroid hormone production
- Thyroid gland has increased activity (hyperactive thyroid gland)
- heat inteolerance, weight loss
- Most prevalent in females 20 – 40 years of age
Hyporthyroidism
- leading cause is iodine deficiency.
- too little thyroid hormone production
- Insufficient circulating hormone
- deficiency of thyroid hormones that slows metabolism
- cold intolerane, weight gain
Myxedema Coma
- Myxedema swelling of the skin and underlying tissues giving a waxy consistency, typical of patients with underactive thyroid glands
- Physical changes, such as skin and facial and periorbital edema, develop and the patient’s face has a mask-like appearance.
- This occurs because of an accumulation of hydrophilic mucopolysaccharides in the tissues.
- Myxedema can lead to myxedema coma if untreated, which may lead to death..
Thryotoxicosis (thyroid storm)
- hypermetabolism caused by excess T3 and/or T4
- Rare, acute condition in which all hyperthyroid manifestations are intensified
- Considered life threatening, death is rare when treatment is initiated early
- occurs in patients with untreated or undertreated thyrotoxicosis
- a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature can rise to dangerously high levels.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- chronic inflammation of the thyroid
- It is an autoimmune disorde
- most common cause of hypothyroidism
- T3 and T4 levels increase at first but decrease as time passes.
- TSH is increased in an attempt to produce more T3 and T4.
parathyroid glands
- regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- secrete PTH to regulate calcium levels.
- PTH affects the bones, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract
PTH: PTH raises calcium levels by releasing calcium from your bones and increasing the amount of calcium absorbed from your small intestine
hyperparathyroidism
- secretion of too much PTH
- Increased PTH levels are found in the bloodstream, leading to hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia
- Leads to decreased bone density
- Causes increased calcium excretion in the urine
- Can cause formation of renal calculi
- Primary hyperparathyroidism is most often caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs as the body tries to compensate for low calcium levels.
- Tertiary hyperparathyroidism is caused by hyperplasia of parathyroid tissue that interferes with the negative feedback cycle and is seen in patients who have had a kidney transplant after undergoing dialysis for a long time.
hypoparathyroidism
- secretion of too little TH
- The parathyroid glands are not able to maintain serum calcium levels within normal limits.
- This leads to signs of hypocalcemia.
Graves’ disease
- autoimmune disorder in which antibodies to the TSH receptors are formed.
- Diffuse thyroid enlargement
- Excessive thyroid hormone secretion
- 90% of the cases of hyperthyroidism
- More common in females
- The antibodies attach to the TSH receptors and cause an overproduction of T3 and T4.
- Patients with Graves’ disease experience remissions and exacerbations.
- Graves’ disease leads to thyroid tissue destruction, which leads to hypothyroidism.
Goitre
• enlarged thyroid • a swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump in the front of the neck • Ex: Graves’ disease Hashimoto’s disease Toxic/nontoxic goitre
Thyroid Nodules
Palpable deformity that can be benign or malignant
Increased incidence with age
Tracheal compression may be present.
Thyroid Cancer
- Most common endocrine-related carcinoma
- Painless, palpable nodule with in an enlarged thyroid gland
- Diagnosed with CT, MRI, and biopsy
- mostly women
- Surgical removal of the tumour is usually indicated in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Radiation therapy may be used as the primary treatment or as palliative treatment for clients with metastatic thyroid cancer.
Exophthalmos
bulging eyes
seen in hyperthyroidism
thyroid storm,
a life-threatening disorder that occurs in patients with untreated or undertreated thyrotoxicosis, a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature can rise to dangerously high levels.
Toxic Nodular Goitres
- Thyroid hormone-secreting nodules that are independent of TSH stimulation
- If associated with signs of hyperthyroidism, a nodule is termed toxic
- A goitre may have a single or multiple nodules
- Usually benign follicular adenomas
- Occur equally in men and women
- Highest among people older than 40
Primary Hypothyroidism
thyroid tissue is destroyed or when an inadequate amount of hormone is produced
Secondary Hypothyroidism
- related to pituitary diseases with decreases TSH secretion
* occurs because of pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, which leads to inadequate hormone production.
Cretinism
a condition of abnormal mental and physical development resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormone in fetal or early life, typically characterized by intellectual disability, small stature, and thickening of the facial features.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Eltroxin)
treats hypothyroidism
Must take regularly (sometimes for life)
Monitor for angina and cardiac dysrhythmias
Calcimetics
- mimics Ca circulating in the blood so trick into relasing the hormone
- increase calcium receptor sensitivity on the parathyroid gland
- treating secondary hyperparathyroidism
Bisphosphonates
- prevents loss of calcium from bones
* prevent osteoporosis
Chvostek’s signs
The Chvostek sign is a clinical finding associated with hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood. This clinical sign refers to a twitch of the facial muscles that occurs when gently tapping an individual’s cheek, in front of the ear.
