thyroid gland disorders Flashcards
What two hormones does the thyroid produce, and what is their main function?
Produces T3 and T4; controls the body’s metabolism.
What is congenital hypothyroidism?
Being born with an absent or low/nonfunctioning thyroid.
What has happened to the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in the last 20 years?
There has been a large increase in incidence.
What screening is mandatory at birth regarding the thyroid?
Mandatory screening for congenital hypothyroidism.
What are the potential consequences of untreated congenital hypothyroidism?
Serious physical and cognitive impairment.
What are some risk factors for congenital hypothyroidism?
White, male, low birth weight, birth weight > 4500g.
What are some assessment findings in newborns with congenital hypothyroidism?
Excessive sleepiness; enlarged tongue; poor lack/suck; difficult/noisy respirations, potential airway obstruction; short, thick neck/extremities; decreased deep tendon reflexes (floppy, ragdoll appearance); obesity, chronic constipation; cognitive delays; abnormal vital signs.
What is the treatment for congenital hypothyroidism?
Synthetic thyroid hormone replacement; long-term medication education and adherence.
What is the typical onset age for acquired hypothyroidism (Hashimoto thyroiditis)?
10-11 years old.
What is a significant risk factor for Hashimoto thyroiditis?
Family history of thyroid issues; more often affects females.
What is a potential assessment finding in acquired hypothyroidism?
Hypertrophy of the thyroid (goiter) may occur.
What are some signs and symptoms of acquired hypothyroidism?
Obesity, lethargy, delayed sexual development.
Why is acquired hypothyroidism a concern during pregnancy?
It can be problematic to the fetus.
What is the primary characteristic of hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease)?
Oversecretion of thyroid hormone (TH).
How can congenital hyperthyroidism occur?
If the mother has the illness.
Besides maternal illness, what are other potential causes of hyperthyroidism?
Pituitary tumor or autoimmune disorders.
What are some risk factors for hyperthyroidism?
Genetic predisposition; can follow a viral illness or stress.
What is the typical management for hyperthyroidism?
Long-term medical management is needed.
What is important to monitor in pregnant females with hyperthyroidism?
Careful monitoring.
What are some common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Tremors, nervousness, easily fatigued, loss of muscle strength, increased perspiration, moist skin, increased basal metabolic rate (BMR), increased blood pressure (BP) and pulse, hungry but rarely satiated with no/minimal weight gain, goiter, exophthalmia (prominent eye globes).
What might an X-ray show in a child with hyperthyroidism?
Advanced bone age.
What are the typical findings for T3, T4, and TSH levels in hyperthyroidism?
Increased T3 and T4, decreased TSH.
