Hyperthyroidism

Question 1

describe the dysfunction of hyperthyroidism

Answer 1

• Occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine.
• Hyperthyroidism overstimulates cells causing the body’s metabolic rate to increase.

Question 2

what is the most common form of hyperthyroidism

Answer 2

Graves Disease

Question 3

describe what graves disease is

Answer 3

• Graves’ disease is an enlargement of the thyroid caused by an immune system reaction.

Question 4

List 5 symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Answer 4

1. Rapid heartbeat
2. Fatigue
3. Anxiety
4. weight loss
5. exophthalmia - in cases of graves disease

Question 5

List 3 forms of treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Answer 5

1. Anti-thyroid medication
2. Radioactive iodine
3. Surgery

Question 6

what is Hyperthyroidism surgery specifically called

Answer 6

• thyroidectomy

Question 7

describe anti-thyroid medications as a treatment

Answer 7

• Anti-thyroid medications can block the thyroid glands from absorbing iodine from the bloodstream
• This stops iodine from being concentrated in thyroid cells and incorporated into molecules to produce hormones.
• Therefore lowering thyroxine production.

Question 8

describe radioactive iodine as a treatment

Answer 8

• Drinks containing radioactive iodine can be used.
• The molecules are taken up by the thyroid cells and kill them from its radioactivity
• This reduces the production of thyroxine.
• Cells elsewhere in the body do not absorb the iodine and are not affected.
• This radioactive iodine is eventually excreted via urine.

Question 9

describe surgery as a treatment

Answer 9

• Surgery to remove some or all the thyroid glands.
• Less thyroid gland will result in fewer hormones being produced.

Question 10

what makes radioactive iodine user friendly

Answer 10

• Reduce the production of thyroxine as they kill the cells of the thyroid.
• Has the best chance of curing the patient of the condition.
• The radioactive iodine only targets the thyroid cells and the other cells do not absorb it
• It is eventually passed out through the urine

Question 11

what makes surgery user friendly

Answer 11

• Used on those who are …
• pregnant
• can’t tolerate anti-thyroid drugs
• can’t tolerate radioactive iodine therapy.
• Improves ability to use radioactive iodine after surgery.
• Improves survival in certain patients.

Question 12

what makes anti-thyroid medications user friendly

Answer 12

• Reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism by restricting the production of excess thyroxine
• Don’t do any permanent damage to the thyroid gland.
• In some people the drug clears up the symptoms permanently.

Question 13

what are the risks of using anti-thyroid medications

Answer 13

• Can cause liver damage which can lead to death.
• There is a chance for some people to experience a relapse.

Question 14

what are the risks of using radioactive iodine

Answer 14

• The treatment kills excessive amounts of the thyroid cells causing an insufficient production of hormones leading to hypothyroidism
• Metallic taste in the mouth which can last a couple of weeks.
• Nausea is experienced for only 1 or 2 days after treatment.
• Swollen salivary glands.

Question 15

what are the risks of participating in surgery

Answer 15

• Damage to the vocal cords and parathyroid glands.
• If the parathyroid glands are removed medication must be taken to control the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.
• Can lead to the patient experiencing hypothyroidism as the thyroid is removed.

Question 16

what are the ethical concerns associated with anti-thyroid medications

Answer 16

• Personal details of patients must be confidential when purchasing the drugs at a pharmacy
• This medication is synthetic which may affect a patient to choose the drug as they may prefer natural treatments.

Question 17

what are the ethical concerns associated with radioactive iodine

Answer 17

• People fear radioactive iodine as it can be associated with words like “nuclear” and “radioactivity”
• People think such treatment can cause hair loss and birth defects due to its association with radioactivity
• People fear due to past events such as Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Chornobyl as they suffered nuclear disasters.
• Misconceptions of treatment due to low levels of education on such treatment
• The public believes there is a high risk of cancer after RAI treatment.
• This medication is synthetic which may affect a patient to choose the drug as they may prefer natural treatments.

Question 18

what are the ethical concerns associated with surgery?

Answer 18

• Patients must be fully informed on knowing the procedures and objectives of the surgery
• Patients must give their consent by signing a liability form.
• Those who believe in Jehovah’s Witness are not able to have a blood transfusion if blood is needed during surgery as it is against their faith.