week 8- hyper and hypo thyroidism Flashcards
The thyroid makes thyroid hormone (T3 & T4)
Controls metabolism
Balances calcium and phosphorus
Regulated by the Hypothalmic-Pituitary-Thyroid negative feedback loop
Need dietary intake of protein & iodine to produce TH
Thyroid hormones affect all body cells, specifically:
—Effects on growth, metabolic rate and specific body mechanisms
—T3 & T4 increase metabolism=increased O2 consumption and heat production in all tissues (Iggy, 2010)
conversion of T’S
T4 converts to T3 in the cell
Conversion is impaired by: stress, starvation, dyes, beta blockers, amiodarone, corticosteroids, and PTU
Functions of TH
Fetal development
Control metabolic rate
Growth hormone and gonadotropins (pituitary)
Regulates protein, carb and fat metabolism
Chronotropic and inotropic cardiac effects (rate and force of contraction)
Increases RBC production
Affects resp rate and drive
Increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption of calcium (through calcitonin release)
Acts as insulin antagonist
Thyroxine (T4)
-influences metabolic rate, regulates lipid & carbohydrate metabolism
Triiodothyronine (T3)-
help regulate growth development, metabolism and controls heat regulation (thermoregulating center)
Calcitonin-
responds to hypercalcium, lowers plasma calcium and phosphate levels, inhibits reabsorption of calcium into bones
Responsible for maintaining adequate levels of calcium in the extracellular fluid
Thyroid gland communicates with parathyroid gland that lies above and behind it.
Iodine and tyrosine(amino acid) is essential for proper functioning of thyroid glands which generally is acquired in sufficient amounts from our diet.
T3 &T4 are stored with thyrogloblin (a protein that contains tyrosine and amino acid) in the follicles in the thyroid gland called colloids
When thyroid gland is signaled it will release T3 & T4 into the circulation system. Low blood level will trigger TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) known as thyrotropin.
Negative Feedback Loop
Hypothalamus produces and secretes thyrotropin-releasing
hormone (TRH)
—->
TRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
—>
TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to increase production of
T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)
neg feedback looop
If the thyroid hormone (T3 & T4) levels get too high, the hypothalamus decreases secretion of TRH and the pituitary decreases secretion of TSH
If the thyroid hormone (T3 & T4) levels get too low, the hypothalamus increases secretion of TRH and the pituitary increases secretion of TSH
So….
Hyperthyroid = HIGH T3 & T4 and LOW TSH
Hypothyroid=LOW T3 & T4 and HIGH TSH
Thyroid Disease
Hypothyroidism more common that hyperthyroidism
Women affected > men
Symptoms of thyroid disease extremely variable
New onset or a change in symptoms important
May develop quickly or slowly
Only blood tests confirm diagnosis
Iodine deficiency in undeveloped countries most common cause of hypothyroidism = goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Iodine added to salt in many countries
Thyroid Disease: Causes
-Primary Causes
Autoimmune disorders
Graves’ Disease (hyperthyroidism)
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (hypothyroidism)
• Secondary Causes
Pituitary tumours, surgery, irradiation, medications
Plummer’s disease (toxic nodular disease “hot nodule”)
Multinodular disease
Graves’ disease affects mostly women and between age
20-40.
Hyperthyroid
s&s
Low energy Fatigue-trouble awakening in am, need more sleep, falls asleep during the day Feeling cold when others feel warm Less sweating Dry, itchy skin Dry, coarse, brittle hair Increased hair loss (thinner) Loss of outer third of eyebrow Loss of appetite Mild weight gain (5-15 lbs), difficulty losing weight ** does not cause obesity New or worsening memory problems and slowed thinking New snoring More frequent muscle cramps and joint aches New feeling of pins and needles in hands and feet (parasthesia) New constipation New puffiness around the face (especially eyes), hands, feet and ankles Carpal tunnel Heavier and/or more frequent periods, worse cramps, worse premenstrual symptoms Feeling irritable New depression New hoarse voice New hearing loss Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)-most common with Hashimoto’s thyroiditiis Shrinking thyroid Decreased HR-decreased blood flow and O2 delivery to tissues Slight increase in BP Higher cholesterol levels Slow reflexes Heat intolerance* Diaphoresis/smooth moist skin Hair loss Weight loss with increased appetite Nervousness & tremors Palpitations, tachycardia, Atrial fib Insomnia Goiter Menstrual irregularities (-) Hypertension Frequent bowel movements*
Hypothyroid
s&S
Cold intolerance Dry coarse skin Hair loss Weight gain with poor appetite Fatigue/lethargy Bradycardia Hypersomnia Goiter Menstrual irregularities (+) Slow thinking/memory Constipation* Tachycardia/palpitations Chest pain Increased SBP Dysrhythmias Muscle weakness/wasting Blurred or double vision Eye fatigue Corneal ulcers or infections Increased tears/redness/photophobia Eyelid retraction/eyelid lag**Graves’ disease only Globe lag** Wide-eyed startled look Hyperactive tendon reflexes Low grade fever
Assessment
When patient reports general symptoms of fatigue or unplanned weight change and depression or anxiety, be sure to ask about other S &S related to thyroid disorders that they may not automatically mention
Nutrition, elimination, sleep-rest pattern, sexuality-reproductive & activity-exercise assessments (Iggy, 2010)
Head-to-toe assessment-affects all body systems
Inspect and palpate thyroid gland (See Jarvisnot usually part of a routine nursing assessment)
Review diagnostic test results
Discuss life impact (ie: work, activity, relationships)
When patient reports general symptoms of fatigue or unplanned weight change and depression or anxiety, be sure to ask about other S &S related to thyroid disorders that they may not automatically mention
Nutrition, elimination, sleep-rest pattern, sexuality-reproductive & activity-exercise assessments (Iggy, 2010)
Head-to-toe assessment-affects all body systems
Inspect and palpate thyroid gland (See Jarvisnot usually part of a routine nursing assessment)
Review diagnostic test results
Discuss life impact (ie: work, activity, relationships)
Diagnostic Testing
• TSH is the most sensitive test of thyroid function
o Decreased TSH = hyperthyroidism
o Increased TSH = hypothyroidism
• T4 testing may help differentiate sub-clinical (mild)disease
• Imaging tests-ultrasound, Radioactive Iodine Scan
• Fine needle biopsy
• CBC, lipid profile, metabolic profile
• ECG
Ultrasound: info about solid vs cystic nodules, info about benign vs malignant tumours (looks at border edges, vascularity, presence of microcalcifications),
RAI Scan: identify whether nodule is “hot” (more likely benign) or “cold” (more likely malignant)
Pts with hypothyroidism may also have iron deficiency anemia, dyslipidemia, hyponatremia, and decrease GFR