Topic 1 Flashcards
what is important to monitor when you have a partial or total thyroidectomy
CALCIUM LEVELS; because of the parathyroid glands
hyperthyroidism: autoimmune
Graves
hypothyroidism: autoimmune
hashimotos
other than iodine deficiency, what else can cause hypothyroidism?
*Hypothyroidism may also develop after treatment for hyperthyroidism, specifically a thyroidectomy or RAI therapy.
what food have iodine
seafood, fish, seaweed, dairy
what diagnostics are run to test for hypothyroidism
-Serum TSH and free T4
-total serum T3 and T4
-Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
what diagnostics are run to test for hyperthyroidism
-Opthalamic examination
-ECG
-TSH levels
-serum free T4
-Thyroid antibodies (TPO)
-total serum T3 and T4
-Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)
what are the clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism
-Systemic effects characterized by a slowing of body processes
-Fatigued
-Lethargic
-Experiences personality and mental change
-Impaired memory
-Decreased initiative
-Somnolence
-Appears depressed
-Weight gain
-Slowed speech
what are the cardiovascular manifestations of hypothyroidism
Decreased cardiac contractility and decreased cardiac output.
-low exercise tolerance
-shortness of breath on exertion
in hypothyroidism TSH is ____ and T4 is _____
increased
normal
what medication is used for hypothyroidism
levothyroxine (Synthroid)
what should the nurse monitor when a patient is taking levothyroxine
-Carefully monitor patients with CV disease who take this drug
-Monitor heart rate and report pulse greater than 100 bats/min or an irregular heartbeat
-Promptly report chest pain, weigh loss, nervousness, tremors, and/or insomnia
what is important to discuss with a patient about thyroid hormone therapy?
-need for life long therapy
-take thyroid hormone in the morning before food
- need for regular follow-up care
what would be a comfortable environment for a patient with hypothyroidism
a WARM environment because the patient would always be cold
since a patient with hypothyroidism has thin/fragile skin, what should the nurse teach
measures to prevent skin breakdown. Soap should be used sparingly and lotion applied to skin.
constiptation is a symptom of hypothyroidism, what should the nurse discuss with the client?
- Gradual increase in activity and exercise
- Increased fiber in diet
- Use of stool softeners
- Regular bowel elimination time
why should patients with hypothyroidism avoid using enemas?
because they produce vagal stimulation, which can be hazardous if cardiac disease is present
(Vagal maneuver: will decrease the HR, constrict and reduce blood flow)
hyperthyroidism clinical manifestations
-increases metabolism
-enlarges thyroid: goiter
-exophthalmos
what are the early signs of hyperthyroidism
weight loss, increased nervousness
what does the nurse teach a patient with exophthalmos for eye and vision care?
-Elevate head of bed at night
-Use eye drops (artificial tears)
-Dark glasses to treat photophobia
if the exophthalmos is severe what canbe done
possible steroid therapy to reduce swelling, diuretics to decrease edema, or surgery (orbital decompression).
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: CV
hypertension, bounding rapid pulse, dysrhythmias, angina, CHF, fatigue
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: respiratory
dyspnea on mild exertion, increased RR
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: GI
wt loss, increased appetite, thirst, increased peristalsis, increased BS
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: skin
warm, smooth, moist skin, brittle nails, fine, silky hair, diaphoresis, pretibial myxedema
uDifficulty sleeping, hand tremors,
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: MS
fatigue, weakness, dependent edema, osteoporosis
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations:: NS
nervousness, fine tremor of fingers and tongue, insomnia, lability of mood, delirium, restlessness, personality changes, depression, lack of ability to concentrate
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: reproductive
menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, gynecomastia in men, decreased fertility
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: other
intolerance to heat, elevated basal temperature, lid lag, rapid speech
diagnostic studies for Hyperthyroidism
uTSH: low or undetectable levels
uT4 : elevated (free T4)
The RAIU test
The RAIU test
radioactive iodine uptake test; used to differentiate Graves’ disease from other forms of thyroiditis
Radiation Therapy: Radioactive iodine
0RAI damages or destroys thyroid tissue
-maximum effect may not be seen for up to 3 months
what is the patient treated iwth before and for 3 months after starting RAI
with antithyroid drugs and propranolol
why do you give propanolol to a patient who is hyperthyroid
Give propanonolol do you don’t go into hypertensive crisis
what are reasons for an individual to get a thyroidectomy
Lookout ABC, if patient is having hard time breathing, risk for aspiration, then they will get surgery or if meds dont work
hyperthyroidism: nutritional therapy
-High-calorie (4000-5000), high-protein diet
-Frequent meals
-Teach the patient to avoid highly seasoned and high-fiber foods because these foods can further stimulate the already hyperactive GI tract.
-Have the patient avoid caffeine-containing liquids such as coffee, tea, and cola to decrease the restlessness and sleep disturbances associated with these fluids.
drugs for hypothyroidism
levothyroxine
drugs for hyperthyroidism
Methimazole (Tapazole)
Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Iodine (SSKI)
normal blood sugar range
74-106mg/dL
prediabetes
defined as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), or both. It is a precursor (happens before) the client gets Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.(clients are oftern asymptomatic)
client teaching for prediabetes
-Undergo screening
-Manage risk factors
-Monitor for symptoms of diabetes
-Maintain healthy weight, exercise, make healthy food choices
Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)
A genetic metabolic disorder characterized by diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, centrally distributed obesity, and elevated blood lipids