Thyroid/Anti-Thyroid Drugs Flashcards

1
Q

Hormones Secreted by the Thyroid

A

Thyroxine (T4)
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Calcitonin

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2
Q

Thyroid Hormones and Cardiac Function

A

Hypothyroid = Bradycardia

Hyperthyroid = Tachycardia

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3
Q

Causes of Hypothyroidism

A

Insufficient iodine, surgical removal of thyroid, Hashimoto’s disease, insufficient secretion of TSH and thyrotropin-releasing hormone

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4
Q

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

A

Synthetic thyroid hormone T4

Replaces in order to achieve normal thyroid levels (euthyroid)

Hormonal content is standardized, and therefore its effects are predictable

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5
Q

Adverse Effects of Levothyroxine

A

Cardiac dysrhythmias

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6
Q

Myxedema

A

Extreme hypothyroidism

Cognitive changes, activity intolerance, bradycardia, cardiomegaly, decreased CO, edema, hypoventilation, pleural effusion, hypothermia

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7
Q

Treatment of Myxedema

A

Replacement drugs, fluid and electrolyte replacement, monitor gas exchange and respiratory status

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8
Q

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

A

Graves’ disease, multinodular disease, thyroid storm

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9
Q

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

A

Tremors, heat intolerance, bulging eyes, tachycardia, weight loss, muscle wasting, amenorrhea, exophthalmos

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10
Q

Management of Hyperthyroidism

A

Radioactive therapy, dexamethasone (antiinflammatory to calm down the thyroid), beta-blockers (slow the heart), surgery

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11
Q

Thyrotoxic Crisis (Thyroid Storm)

A

Occurs in patients who undergo significant stress (surgery, illness), not triggered by a rise in thyroid hormones

Signs include hyperthermia, severe tachycardia, restlessness, agitation, hypotension, coma, heart failure

Treated with methimazole, beta-blockers, sedation

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12
Q

Antithyroid Drugs

A

Methimazole (Tapazole) and Propylthiouracil

Used to treat hyperthyroidism and to prevent the surge of thyroid hormones that occurs after surgical treatment or during radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism

May cause liver and bone marrow toxicity

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13
Q

Methimazole

A

First-line drug for hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease, adjunct to radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, thyrotoxic crisis)

Does not cause liver damage or destroy existing stores of thyroid hormone

May take 3-12 weeks for euthyroidism

OBTAIN BASELINE VITAL SIGNS AND WEIGHT, use caution in patients with cardiac disease, hypertension, and pregnant women

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14
Q

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

A

Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis; second-line drug for Graves’ disease

Short half-life, full benefits may take 6-12 months to occur

Can cause hypothyroidism, agranulocytosis, severe liver damage

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15
Q

Nursing Implications

A

Antithyroid Medications are better tolerated with food; give at the same time each day; never stop abruptly; AVOID EATING FOODS HIGH IN IODINE

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