Week 1 - Thyroid Disorders Flashcards
what is the fnxn of the thyroid gland
- produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate energy, metabolism, growth, and development
what is hyperthyroidism
- condition caused by having too much thyroid hormone
what does excess thyroid hormone in hyperthyroidism cause (2)
- increased metabolism
- increased tissue sensitivity to stimulation by the sympathetic nervous system
what might you find upon assessment of the thyroid gland during hyperthyroidism
- enlarged thyroid gland –> goitre
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the eyes
- bulging eyes = exophthalamus
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the musculoskeletal system (5)
- muscle wasting
- weight loss
- muscle weakness
- fatigue
- dependent/localized edema
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the GI tract (4)
- increased appetite
- increased thirst
- increased peristalsis = diarrhea
- increased bowel sounds
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the cardio system (4)
- systolic HTN
- tachycardia
- dysrhythmias
- palpitations
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the resp system
- increased resp rate
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the integumentary system (7)
- warm, smooth, moist skin
- finger clubbing
- fine, straight hair
- hair loss
- thin, brittle nails
- diaphoresis
- facial flushing
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the nervous system (5)
- tremors
- insomnia
- irritability & agitation
- nervousness
- depression
what effect does hyperthyroidism have on the reproductive system (3)
- menstrual changes
- amenorrhea
- decreased libido
what effect does hyperthyroidism have temp regulation
- causes heat intolerance
what is a complication of hyperthyroidism
- thyroid storm/thyrotoxic crisis
what is a thyroid storm
- an acute, rare condition where all hyperthyroid manifestations are intensified
what are manifestations of thyroid storm (7)
- tachycardia
- heart failure
- shock
- hyperthermia
- coma
- seizures
- agitation & restlessness
how can hyperthyroidism be diagnosed (3)
- decreased TSH lvls
- elevated T4
- elevated T3
describe the type of diet someone w hyperthyroidism would be on (4)
- high cal
- high protein
- avoid GI stimulating foods
- high carbs
how many cal per day should a person w hyperthyroidism have? why?
- 4000-5000 cal/day
- for hunger and prevention of tissue breakdown
how much protein should someone w hyperthyroidism have per day
- 1-2 g per kg of ideal body weight
what are some GI stimulating foods someone w hyperthyroidism avoid (3)? why should they avoid this
- caffeine
- spices
- high fibre foods
- avoid bc the GI tract is already hyperactive
what is the overall goal of treatment for hyperthyroidism (2)
- block the adverse effects of thyroid hormones
- and stop their over-secretion
what are the 3 primary treatments for hyperthyroidism
- drug therapy
- radioactive iodine therapy
- surgery
what are 3 types of drugs used for hyperthyroidism
- antithyroid meds
- iodine
- beta blockers
what is a type of antithyroid med
- methimazole (tapazole)
what is methimazole (tapazole)
- drug that suppresses thyroxine production
describe the response of a pt w hyperthyroidism to methimazole (tapazole)
- individual response varies
- improvement typically begins 1-2 weeks after initiation of therapy
- good results within 4-8 weeks `
what fnxn does iodine have in treatment of hyperthyroidism (2)
- rapidly inhibits production of T3 and T4 & blocks its release into circulation
- decreases the vascularity of the thyroid gland = safer and easier surgery
when is iodine used for hyperthyroidism (2)
- treatment of thyroid crisis
- prep for surgery
why are beta blockers used for treatment of hyperthyroidism
- for symptomatic relief of thyrotoxicosis that results from increased beta receptor simultaion caused by excess thyroid hormone
what kind of symptoms do beta blockers help block (4)
- palpitations
- increased HR
- tremors
- agitation
what is a type of beta blocker used for hyperthyroidism
- propranolol (inderal)
why is radioactive iodine used for treatment of hyperthyroidism
- it damages/destroys thyroid tissue = limits thyroid hormone secretion
who can radioactive iodine not be used in
- pregnant or nursing women
how is radioactive iodine taken
- in a drink or capsule
what is something to monitor in pts taking radioactive iodine
- signs of hypothyroidism
what is the preferred method of treatment for nonpregnant adults w hyperthyroidism
- radioactive iodine
what 2 types of surgery can be done for hyperthyroidism
- thyroidectomy
- subtotal thyroidectomy