Topic 1 Flashcards
what is important to monitor when you have a partial or total thyroidectomy
CALCIUM LEVELS; because of the parathyroid glands
hyperthyroidism: autoimmune
Graves
hypothyroidism: autoimmune
hashimotos
other than iodine deficiency, what else can cause hypothyroidism?
*Hypothyroidism may also develop after treatment for hyperthyroidism, specifically a thyroidectomy or RAI therapy.
what food have iodine
seafood, fish, seaweed, dairy
what diagnostics are run to test for hypothyroidism
-Serum TSH and free T4
-total serum T3 and T4
-Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
what diagnostics are run to test for hyperthyroidism
-Opthalamic examination
-ECG
-TSH levels
-serum free T4
-Thyroid antibodies (TPO)
-total serum T3 and T4
-Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)
what are the clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism
-Systemic effects characterized by a slowing of body processes
-Fatigued
-Lethargic
-Experiences personality and mental change
-Impaired memory
-Decreased initiative
-Somnolence
-Appears depressed
-Weight gain
-Slowed speech
what are the cardiovascular manifestations of hypothyroidism
Decreased cardiac contractility and decreased cardiac output.
-low exercise tolerance
-shortness of breath on exertion
in hypothyroidism TSH is ____ and T4 is _____
increased
normal
what medication is used for hypothyroidism
levothyroxine (Synthroid)
what should the nurse monitor when a patient is taking levothyroxine
-Carefully monitor patients with CV disease who take this drug
-Monitor heart rate and report pulse greater than 100 bats/min or an irregular heartbeat
-Promptly report chest pain, weigh loss, nervousness, tremors, and/or insomnia
what is important to discuss with a patient about thyroid hormone therapy?
-need for life long therapy
-take thyroid hormone in the morning before food
- need for regular follow-up care
what would be a comfortable environment for a patient with hypothyroidism
a WARM environment because the patient would always be cold
since a patient with hypothyroidism has thin/fragile skin, what should the nurse teach
measures to prevent skin breakdown. Soap should be used sparingly and lotion applied to skin.
constiptation is a symptom of hypothyroidism, what should the nurse discuss with the client?
- Gradual increase in activity and exercise
- Increased fiber in diet
- Use of stool softeners
- Regular bowel elimination time
why should patients with hypothyroidism avoid using enemas?
because they produce vagal stimulation, which can be hazardous if cardiac disease is present
(Vagal maneuver: will decrease the HR, constrict and reduce blood flow)
hyperthyroidism clinical manifestations
-increases metabolism
-enlarges thyroid: goiter
-exophthalmos
what are the early signs of hyperthyroidism
weight loss, increased nervousness
what does the nurse teach a patient with exophthalmos for eye and vision care?
-Elevate head of bed at night
-Use eye drops (artificial tears)
-Dark glasses to treat photophobia
if the exophthalmos is severe what canbe done
possible steroid therapy to reduce swelling, diuretics to decrease edema, or surgery (orbital decompression).
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: CV
hypertension, bounding rapid pulse, dysrhythmias, angina, CHF, fatigue
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: respiratory
dyspnea on mild exertion, increased RR
Hyperthyroidism Clinical Manifestations: GI
wt loss, increased appetite, thirst, increased peristalsis, increased BS