Thyroid examination Flashcards
What are the first step in the introduction?
Wash hands
Introduce yourself
Hello, I’m _____ _____ a third year medical student .
What details do you need to confirm from the patient?
Name
DOB (Age)
When listening to the patient what type of voice would indicate HYPOthyroidism?
Hoarse
Explain the thyroid examination
Today I’ve been asked to examine the thyroid gland in your neck is that okay?
This involves me generally inspecting you then moving closer to have a look of the neck then a feel of the neck as well
How should a pt be positioned in a thyroid exam?
Comfortably on a chair so that you can walk around on all sides.
What equipment is needed for a thyroid exam?
Stethoscope.
Glass of water.
Tendon hammer.
A4 piece of paper.
On general inspection what would we look for?
Build,
Clothing that is inappropriate for the given temperature, Restlessness,
Confusion,
Hair/skin quality.
If someone seems hyperactive what does this indicate?
(thyroid exam)
HYPERactive = HYPERthyroidism.
Name some of the hand signs present in a person with HYPOthyroidism
Dry skin
Brittle nails
Name some of the hand signs present in a person with HYPERthyroidism
Increased sweating / Temperature
Palmar erythema
Onycholysis
What hand sign would you specifically see in Graves’ disease?
Thyroid acropachy (presents as clubbing)
How would you inspect for a tremor?
Hands outstretched + pronated.
Hands outstretched + pronated.
In a thyroid exam if a tremor is present what does it indicate?
Hyperthyroidism
When feeling the radial pulse what would the following indicate?
a - bradycardia
b - tachycardia
(thyroid exam)
a - HYPOthyroidism
b - HYPERthyroidism
If a person has hyperthyroidism what type of irregularly irregular pulse rhythm might you feel?
AF
What are you inspecting for in the forearms and what does it indicate?
Muscle wasting
Hyperthyroidism