Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
What are the signs/symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
Hypertension
Tachycardia, dysrhythmias
Heat Intolerance
Hair thinning
Weight loss/muscle wasting
Anxiety, nervousness
Insomnia, hyperactivity
Delirium, psychosis
Tremor, hyperreflexia
Exophthalmoses (Grave’s)
Goiter (Grave’s)
Pretribial myxedema (Grave’s)
Clubbing (Grave’s)
What is the primary cause of Hyperthyroidism and what are the diagnostic findings?
Grave’s Disease - an autoimmune disease where there is an increase in TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin)
HIGH T3/T4
LOW TSH
What kind of diet should patients with Hyperthyroidism be on?
High calorie, protein, carbs
Low fiber
No caffeine/food high in spices
Frequent meals
What are the treatment options for Hyperthyroidism?
Medications
Radioactive Iodine
Thyroidectomy
What medications are used for Hyperthyroidism?
Anti-thyroid - methimazole (Tapazole)
Beta blockers - propranolol (Inderal)
What is good about methimazole?
It does not damage the thyroid like radioactive iodine
What does radioactive iodine do and what is a contraindication for it?
It destroys the thyroid over time and is a permanent cure
Women who are breastfeeding/nursing
What is a major complication of a thyroidectomy related to calcium?
Tetany
What causes tetany?
Injury to the parathyroid which causes hypocalcemia
What is a can cause respiratory distress after a thyroidectomy?
Laryngeal nerve injury
What is a circulatory complication post thyroidectomy?
Hemorrhage
What precautions should the nurses take post thyroidectomy?
Keep IV Calcium Gluconate, tracheostomy/suction kit available
Maintain seizure precautions
HOB in high-Fowler’s position and neck in a neutral position
Monitor for signs of hypocalcemia: (Chvosteks and Trousseau signs, tingling/twitching, hyperflexia, stridor)
What is thyrotoxicosis and symptoms?
Life-threatening MED EMER when there is an excess of hormones released
Severe V/D, abdominal pain, dysrhythmias, chest pain, tachycardia, HTN, fever, seizures, coma
What are the nursing actions for thyroid storm (thyrotoxicosis)?
Administer methimazole, beta-blocker, glucocorticoids, IV fluids, and Oxygen
What will the patient need to know after a total thyroidectomy?
Pt will be on lifelong hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine).
