Thyroid Flashcards
What is the thyroid hormone feedback loop?
Ant. Pituitary stimulates thyroid hormone production & release
If blood levels of TH are low then the hypothalamus release TRH
TRH causes the Ant Pituitary to release TSH
TSH stimulates the thyroid to release TH
High TH levels inhibit the secretion of TRH & TSH
If blood levels of TH are low then the
hypothalamus releases TRH
Hormone Orders IF LOW LEVELS
Thyroid releasing hormone
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
T3 and T4
TRH causes
Anterior pituitary to release TSH
TSH releases what
T3 and T4 from thyroid
High T3 and T4 levels inhibit the secretion
TRH
TSH
TRH
Thyroid releasing hormone
TSH
thyroid-stimulating hormone
Thyroid assessment
physical
Lab work (serum TSH, T3, T4, and free T4)
Ultrasound with bx (remove portion)
Thyroid scan
RAI uptake
If questioning hyperthyroidism/enlarged thyroid,
listen for bruit and audible vibration
Is the thyroid normally palpable?
no, only when enlarged or hyperthyroidism
How do you assess the thyroid?
stand posterior to pt
warn and place hands around the neck
pt swallows - brings it forward to feel for nodules in thyroid
When should you not palpate the thyroid?
pt has Thyroiditis
esp if notice visibly enlarged gland bc palpation triggers release of thyroid hormones
RAI uptake
Radioactive Iodine uptake test
- if low iodine in thyroid with test hypoactive visa versa
RAI uptake contraindications
allergies to shellfish and iodine
Meds need to be withheld
Goiter
abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland
Goiter occurs with
Hyperthyroidism (too much)
hypothyroidism (too little)
Euthyroidism (correct amount)
T/F: The presence of a goiter does mean the thyroid gland is malfunctioning.
False
Goiter pts c/o
inability to swallow
shirt collars too small
TSH normal
2-10
T4 normal
4-12
T3 normal
70-205
Hypothyroidism lab values
TSH
T3
T4
TSH high
T3 low
T4 low
Hyperthyroidism lab values
TSH
T3
T4
TSH LOW
T3 HIGH
T4 HIGH
TSH is used when monitoring
thyroid replacement therapy
TSH STIMULATES
T3 and T4
T3
accurate meaure of hyperthyroidism
after admin of iodine
Free T4
measures the free unbound thyroxine levels of the bloodstream
Hyperthyroidism
excess of thyroid hormone
Hyperthyroidism results in
Increase BMR, CV, GI & neuromuscular function
Affects metabolism of fats, carbs & proteins
Wt loss & heat intolerance
Hyperthyroidism caused by
Autoimmune rxn (Graves’ disease)
Excess of dose of thyroid replacement
Thyroiditis
Tumor
Thyrotoxicosis
thyroid storm
Assessment of Hyperthyroidism
High Temp, Pulse, Resp. and BP
-clubbing, localized edema
Nervous, tremors
wt loss, hunger
N/V/D
breast enlargement
weakness, fatigue
intolerance to heat
Grave’s disease
S/S of hyperthyroidism is related to
directly increases metabolism and tissue sensitivity to stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system
Graves’ disease s/s
Goiter
Bulging eyes
raised red rash not painful
Hyperthyroidism is prone to
comorbidities
* irregular heartbeats
chest pain
cognition low
excess fatigue**
Hyperthyroidism Mgmt
lifelong antithyroid med
Iodine 131
Thyroidectomy
infertility specialist
Nursing problems with Hyperthyroidism
knowledge deficit
insufficient nutrition (give them frequent small meals with more protein and carbs)
altered sleep patterns
altered body image due to goiter and eye bulging
low CO or endurance
vision changes (dry and shape)
Exophthalmos
bulging eyes
Hyperthyroidism pts have a
high active
can’t sit still
Revved up constantly but tired from overexertion
Hyperthyroid pts should avoid
spicy
high fiber foods
caffeine
decongestants and diet pills
Hyperthyroid pts need to monitor weight loss if and be notified if they
more than 10% of body wt
Hyperthyroidism education
meds
wt and nutrition increased
balance activity and rest (fatigue)
lifestyle changes
Eye exams with drops and protection due to bulging
HOB elevated
Hyperthyroid meds
Methimazole/propylthiouracil (PTU)
PTU goal
inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis
PTU adverse effects
**agranulocytosis
hypothyroidism
PTU contraindications
allergy to thioamides
impaired liver
Pregnancy leads to fetal harm
PTU care
signs of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Lab work WNL
(PT, INR, CBC, Liver, and Ts)
VS and wt