endocrine Flashcards
- Rheumatoid arthritis characteristics and diagnostic tests
- Stiffness in joints/symmetrical (morning stiffness does not resolve)
- “Sausage joints” in fingers
- Systemic: fatigue, weakness, depression, anorexia
- Tests: RF, ANTI-CCP, SED rate, ANA
thyroid function
The thyroid is a vital hormone gland that sits in neck with the parathyroid directly behind it. The thyroid is responsible for proper growth and development across the life span, and for metabolism regulation.
thyroid impact
impacts the metabolism of every single cell in the body.
TSH
produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for telling the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.
when there are lots of thyroid T3 and T4 floating around the system
the pituitary gland decreases the production of TSH which tells the thyroid to produce less T3 and T4
what is the screening test when patients present with symptoms of thyroid disease?
Just a TSH
The normal range of TSH
0.5-5
if it is out of whack, then order T3 and T4.
hypothyroidism
Not enough t3 and t4. Pituitary gland is trying to tell thyroid to get making T3 and T4 by increasing the TSH. for some reason the thyroid is not acting properly and not producing enough T3 and T4.
symptoms of hypothyroidism
weight gain
constipation
dry skin
cold intolerance
fatigue
later signs
coarse hair
facial puffiness
tongue
cardiac symtoms
signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism
weight gain
cold intolerance
dry skin
fatigue
later signs
thick tongue
coarse hair
facial puffiness
cardiac symptoms
If TSH is between 5-10
may start synthroid if pt has antibodies in system or has symptoms
When you start Synthroid , when would you recheck the TSH level
6-8 weeks after therapeutic every 6-12 months
directions for taking Synthroid
take on an empty stomach before taking other meds or food first thing int he morning
elderly taking synthroid
start low and go slow
a lot of cardiac risk
initial dosing of synthroid in adults
25-50mcg po qd
