Thyroid Disorders

Question 1

Thyroid Gland

Answer 1

Produces TH (T3/T4) which regulates metabolism!

Question 2

S&S of Hyperthyroidism

Answer 2

Weight loss, heat intolerance/increased temp., increased HR and BP, diarrhea, increased GI motility, smooth hair, soft skin, irritable/restless, insomnia.

Question 3

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Answer 3

Grave’s Disease, Toxic Nodular Goiter, Thyroiditis, excess iodine intake.

Question 4

S&S of Hypothyroidism

Answer 4

Weight gain, tired, can’t tolerate the cold, thin brittle hair, dry skin, depression, slow HR, Myxedema of face, constipation, slow GI motility, menstrual problems. Will have elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

Question 5

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Answer 5

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, lack of iodine, pituitary tumor, treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Question 6

Thyroid Storm

Answer 6

Exaggerated hyperthyroid S&S! D/t untreated hyperthyroidism or s/p thyroidectomy. S&S = raging fever, tachycardia, restless, HTN.

Question 7

Myxedema Coma

Answer 7

Exaggerated hypothyroid S&S. D/t uncontrolled hypothyroidism, s/p thyroidectomy. S&S = hypothermia, extreme drowsiness, bradycardia, respiratory failure, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia —> progresses to coma! Need thyroid replacement ASAP!

Question 8

Beta Blockers

Answer 8

Can make hyperthyroidism more comfortable my relieving symptoms such as tachycardia, increased blood flow, heat intolerance etc.!

Question 9

RAI (Radioactive Iodine)

Answer 9

Thyroid will take it up like normal, but the radiation will gradually destroy the thyroid/cells. Is a permanent cure. May cause metallic taste in mouth, nausea, swollen salivary glands.

Question 10

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Answer 10

Acts as TH to replace what your body isn’t making. Can cause S&S of hyperthyroidism.

Question 11

Grave’s Disease

Answer 11

Causes excess TH = hyperthyroidism. Characterized by goiter, bulging eyes (proptosis), pretibial myxedema, and other S&S of hyperthyroidism.

Question 12

Toxic Multi-nodular Goiter

Answer 12

Small, independently functioning nodules in the thyroid that make excess TH = hyperthyroidism.

Question 13

Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Answer 13

Chronic inflammation and damage of the thyroid leading to decreased TH production = hypothyroidism.

Question 14

Thyroidectomy

Answer 14

TH can leak out during removal = hyperthyroidism; or will result in hypothyroidism from abrupt stop in TH.

Question 15

Anti-thyroid Medications

Answer 15

Stop production of TH (T3,T4). Does not damage the thyroid. Ex.) Methimazole, Propylthiouracil (PTU).

Question 16

People with hypothyroidism are…

Answer 16

Very sensitive to sedatives and opioids! Can send them into Myxedema coma because their nervous system is already being depressed. Must use non-narcotics for pain!

Question 17

Diagnostics for Hyperthyroidism

Answer 17

Decreased TSH and increased T4.