Thyroid Flashcards
• T4 low, TSH high = problem with the thyroid or the pituitary gland? explain…
Problem is with the thyroid - negative feedback is working and keeps releasing more
Why do we measure T4 and not so much T3?
b/c T3 converted to T4
• T4 low, TSH low= problem with the thyroid or the pituitary gland? explain…
Problem with pituitary gland - the pituitary gland is not sending out signal/receiving TSH
why is thyroid hormone so important?
-life sustaining –> increases metabolism - O2 and Heat production
• takes iodine out of diet, combines w/ tyrosine and converts it T3 and T4. T3 and T4 released into bloodstream and control metabolism
difference in labs b/w hypo and hyperthyroidism? T4/T3/TSH?
HYPERthyroidism = low TSH, HIGH T3/T4 HYPOthyroidism = high TSH, LOW T3/T4
1 cause of hyperthyroidism?
graves disease
term to describe hyperthyroidism symptoms regardless of what is causing it = increased metabolism …..
Thyrotoxicosis
s/s of Thyrotoxicosis
• fingers clubbing, tremors, fatigue, diarrhea, amenorrhea, fine straight hair, facial flushing, enlarged thyroid, tachycardia, systolic BP, breast enlargement, weight loss, muscle wasting, heat intolerance, restlessness
Things that thyroid hormone increases in your body? what functions?
• Stimulates the heart ↑ stroke volume ↑ heart rate ↑ cardiac output ↑ SBP • ↑ protein building and breakdown --> Net loss of protein • ↑ glucose tolerance --> hyperglycemia ↑ fat metabolism= Low body fat
3 causes of hyperthyroidism
- graves disease
- autoimmune antibodies stimulate TSH to increase production
2. toxic multinodular goiter- • Thyroid nodules caused by ◦ Enlarged thyroid tissue ◦ Benign tumors -More common in women -More common > 50 years
- exogenous hyperthyroidism
=Overuse of thyroid replacement hormone
what happens in graves disease?
- antibodies stimulate TSH to increase production
- autoimmune: increase chance of child developing autoimmune disorders
- antibodies attack thyroid
2 characteristics of graves disease
- exophthalmos -dry eyes, can cause pressure on optic nerve, can’t close eyes all the way (drops), blurred vision
- tibial myxedema - dried skin on front of legs
hyperthyroidism assessment- long ass list (see “hypo or hyper thyroid?” deck for matching style)
• History • Thermoregulation/ Heat intolerance • High Heart Rate, High BP • Breathing pattern • Visual changes • Fatigue • Insomnia • Irritability • Menstruation change- amenorrhea • Libido, increase initially then decreases • -GRAVES- Exophthalmos - need lubricating drops, eye lids don't close all the way ◦ Lid Lag (Eyelid retraction) ◦ Eye Lag (Globe lag) • Thyroid --> don't palpate it! ◦ Size ◦ Symmetry • Presence of a bruit • Increased SBP • Widened Pulse Pressure • Thinning hair/ fine, silky, soft • Warm, smooth, moist skin • Weak muscles • Presence of a tremor • Diarrhea • Increase appetite + weight loss
Diagnostics for Hyperthyroidism?
Triiodothyronine T3 *Thyroxine T4 *Thyroid stimulating hormone TSH TSH antibodies Thyroid Scan Ultrasound Electrocardiography
What temp change are we monitoring for in hyperthyroidism?
• Fever- notify provider if temp increase 1 degree : s/s of thyroid storm
3 main medical interventions for hyperthyroidism
• Pharmaceuticals ◦ Methimazole- contact provider if you have a fever ◦ Propylthioracil • *Radioactive Iodine Therapy ◦ *Radiation Precautions (unsealed) ◦ takes weeks to work ◦ can completely destroy the gland --> hypothyroidism --> life long thyroid replacement ◦ Not safe for pregnancy! • Surgery
nursing interventions for hyperthyroidism?
• Reduce Stimulation
• Promote comfort
-Monitor
how long does it take for radioactive iodine to work?
weeks!