10 Questions
What is the primary purpose of antithyroid drugs?
Decreasing the production of thyroid hormone
What should patients do if they experience signs and symptoms of acute liver failure?
Seek immediate medical treatment
What is a patient teaching guideline for propylthiouracil?
Regular thyroid and liver function tests
What should patients do before taking over-the-counter drugs while on antithyroid medication?
Consult a healthcare provider
What is a risk associated with methimazole use during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Fetal abnormalities
What is the primary use of strong iodine solution and saturated solution of potassium iodide?
Short-term treatment of hyperthyroidism
What is a potential consequence of using sodium iodide 131I for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer?
Hypothyroidism
When may the therapeutic benefits of sodium iodide 131I become apparent?
3 months or longer after therapy
What symptoms is propranolol recommended to control in patients with symptomatic hyperthyroidism?
Tachycardia, palpitations, excessive sweating, and nervousness
When should propranolol be tapered and discontinued in hyperthyroidism treatment?
Once patients become euthyroid and definitive treatment has controlled symptoms
Study Notes
Antithyroid Drug Patient Teaching and Other Drugs
- Antithyroid drugs are used to treat an overactive thyroid gland by decreasing the production of thyroid hormone.
- Patients should receive instructions about signs and symptoms of acute liver failure and seek immediate medical treatment if these symptoms occur.
- Patient teaching guidelines for propylthiouracil include regular thyroid and liver function tests, avoiding seafood or iodized salt, and taking the drug at regular intervals.
- Patients should report adverse effects to the prescriber and consult a healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter drugs.
- Methimazole is similar to propylthiouracil and carries a risk of fetal abnormalities, requiring a pregnancy test before use during the first trimester.
- Strong iodine solution and saturated solution of potassium iodide are iodine preparations used in short-term treatment of hyperthyroidism, but should not be followed by certain antithyroid drugs.
- Sodium iodide 131I is a radioactive isotope used to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, but can lead to hypothyroidism and requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
- The therapeutic benefits of sodium iodide 131I may not be apparent for 3 months or longer, and patients should avoid expectorating or coughing freely for 24 hours after therapy.
- Propranolol is a beta-adrenergic–blocking agent recommended for all patients with symptomatic hyperthyroidism to control symptoms such as tachycardia, palpitations, excessive sweating, and nervousness.
- Propranolol is particularly useful in older adults with resting heart rates greater than 90 beats/min or a history of cardiovascular conditions.
- Propranolol is used to control symptoms during the delayed response to other hyperthyroidism treatments, before thyroidectomy, and in treating thyrotoxic crisis.
- Once patients become euthyroid and definitive treatment has controlled hyperthyroid symptoms, propranolol should be tapered and discontinued.
Test your knowledge of antithyroid drug patient teaching and other drugs used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Learn about medication guidelines, adverse effects, and precautions for managing overactive thyroid gland conditions.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free