Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient presents with heat intolerance, anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss. Which of the following conditions is most likely indicated by these symptoms?
A patient presents with heat intolerance, anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss. Which of the following conditions is most likely indicated by these symptoms?
- Hypothyroidism
- Atrial fibrillation
- Subacute thyroiditis
- Hyperthyroidism (correct)
A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol (Inderal). What is the primary purpose of this medication in managing hyperthyroidism?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol (Inderal). What is the primary purpose of this medication in managing hyperthyroidism?
- To destroy the thyroid gland
- To alleviate symptoms like tachycardia and tremors (correct)
- To increase iodine uptake by the thyroid gland
- To reduce thyroid hormone production
A patient with suspected hyperthyroidism has a low TSH level and elevated serum T3 and T4. Which diagnostic test would best help determine the etiology of the hyperthyroidism?
A patient with suspected hyperthyroidism has a low TSH level and elevated serum T3 and T4. Which diagnostic test would best help determine the etiology of the hyperthyroidism?
- Radioactive iodine uptake (correct)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Serum antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
Which of the following clinical manifestations is least likely to be observed in a patient with hyperthyroidism resulting from toxic multinodular goiter?
Which of the following clinical manifestations is least likely to be observed in a patient with hyperthyroidism resulting from toxic multinodular goiter?
A patient is admitted with a suspected thyroid storm. Which assessment finding would be least likely in this condition?
A patient is admitted with a suspected thyroid storm. Which assessment finding would be least likely in this condition?
A patient with Graves' disease is being treated with methimazole. What is the most important instruction to provide regarding medication administration?
A patient with Graves' disease is being treated with methimazole. What is the most important instruction to provide regarding medication administration?
Which medication is administered one hour after a thyroid drug for a patient experiencing thyroid storm?
Which medication is administered one hour after a thyroid drug for a patient experiencing thyroid storm?
A patient with hyperthyroidism undergoes radioactive iodine therapy. What is the most likely long-term complication of this treatment?
A patient with hyperthyroidism undergoes radioactive iodine therapy. What is the most likely long-term complication of this treatment?
What is the primary mechanism by which Esmolol helps manage thyroid storm?
What is the primary mechanism by which Esmolol helps manage thyroid storm?
Which of the following lab findings is least likely to be associated with hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following lab findings is least likely to be associated with hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following signs and symptoms is most indicative of Graves' ophthalmopathy?
Which of the following signs and symptoms is most indicative of Graves' ophthalmopathy?
Which condition is most likely associated with the development of thyroid storm?
Which condition is most likely associated with the development of thyroid storm?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is scheduled to undergo radioactive iodine therapy after achieving a euthyroid state. What is the primary goal of achieving euthyroidism before this treatment?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is scheduled to undergo radioactive iodine therapy after achieving a euthyroid state. What is the primary goal of achieving euthyroidism before this treatment?
A patient presents with exophthalmos, pretibial myxedema, and a goiter. Which condition is the MOST likely cause of these manifestations?
A patient presents with exophthalmos, pretibial myxedema, and a goiter. Which condition is the MOST likely cause of these manifestations?
Which of the following is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide?
Which of the following is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide?
A patient is diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. The underlying issue is MOST likely related to:
A patient is diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. The underlying issue is MOST likely related to:
A patient is diagnosed with secondary hypothyroidism. Which of the following best describes the underlying issue?
A patient is diagnosed with secondary hypothyroidism. Which of the following best describes the underlying issue?
Which of the following mechanisms can lead to decreased TSH production?
Which of the following mechanisms can lead to decreased TSH production?
Which treatment for hyperthyroidism does NOT address infiltrative ophthalmopathy or pretibial myxedema?
Which treatment for hyperthyroidism does NOT address infiltrative ophthalmopathy or pretibial myxedema?
Secondary hypothyroidism is characterized by:
Secondary hypothyroidism is characterized by:
What is the primary mechanism behind the development of exophthalmos in Graves disease?
What is the primary mechanism behind the development of exophthalmos in Graves disease?
A patient with suspected hyperthyroidism exhibits a rapid heart rate, weight loss, and anxiety. Which of the following assessment findings is MOST likely to support this diagnosis?
A patient with suspected hyperthyroidism exhibits a rapid heart rate, weight loss, and anxiety. Which of the following assessment findings is MOST likely to support this diagnosis?
A patient has undergone a thyroidectomy as treatment for hyperthyroidism. What potential complication should the nurse monitor for in the immediate postoperative period?
A patient has undergone a thyroidectomy as treatment for hyperthyroidism. What potential complication should the nurse monitor for in the immediate postoperative period?
A patient is prescribed methimazole for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?
A patient is prescribed methimazole for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?
A patient presents with extreme fatigue, constipation, and cold intolerance. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely indicated by these symptoms?
A patient presents with extreme fatigue, constipation, and cold intolerance. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely indicated by these symptoms?
Which of the following lab results is MOST indicative of hypothyroidism?
Which of the following lab results is MOST indicative of hypothyroidism?
A patient with hypothyroidism also presents with hyponatremia. During the management of myxedema coma, what fluid should be considered if the hyponatremia is severe?
A patient with hypothyroidism also presents with hyponatremia. During the management of myxedema coma, what fluid should be considered if the hyponatremia is severe?
A patient with known hypothyroidism is admitted with altered mental status, hypothermia, and severe bradycardia. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?
A patient with known hypothyroidism is admitted with altered mental status, hypothermia, and severe bradycardia. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. What is the MOST important instruction to provide regarding medication administration?
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. What is the MOST important instruction to provide regarding medication administration?
Which of the following signs and symptoms differentiate hypothyroidism from hyperthyroidism?
Which of the following signs and symptoms differentiate hypothyroidism from hyperthyroidism?
A female patient with hypothyroidism is planning to become pregnant. What potential complication related to her condition should the healthcare provider discuss with her?
A female patient with hypothyroidism is planning to become pregnant. What potential complication related to her condition should the healthcare provider discuss with her?
A patient with myxedema coma is being treated with IV levothyroxine and requires mechanical ventilation. What is the rationale for cautious rewarming with blankets?
A patient with myxedema coma is being treated with IV levothyroxine and requires mechanical ventilation. What is the rationale for cautious rewarming with blankets?
A patient with Graves' disease is experiencing exophthalmos. What underlying mechanism primarily contributes to this clinical manifestation?
A patient with Graves' disease is experiencing exophthalmos. What underlying mechanism primarily contributes to this clinical manifestation?
In a patient with suspected primary hypothyroidism, which of the following sets of lab results would MOST strongly support the diagnosis?
In a patient with suspected primary hypothyroidism, which of the following sets of lab results would MOST strongly support the diagnosis?
A patient is diagnosed with secondary hypothyroidism. Which of the following is the MOST likely underlying cause?
A patient is diagnosed with secondary hypothyroidism. Which of the following is the MOST likely underlying cause?
A patient presents with pretibial myxedema. Which condition is MOST likely associated with this finding?
A patient presents with pretibial myxedema. Which condition is MOST likely associated with this finding?
Which of the following is the primary difference between primary and secondary hypothyroidism?
Which of the following is the primary difference between primary and secondary hypothyroidism?
A patient is taking methimazole for Graves' disease. What mechanism underpins its therapeutic effect?
A patient is taking methimazole for Graves' disease. What mechanism underpins its therapeutic effect?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is experiencing ophthalmopathy. Which treatment addresses the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism but does not reverse the ophthalmopathy?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is experiencing ophthalmopathy. Which treatment addresses the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism but does not reverse the ophthalmopathy?
A patient is treated for hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding indicates that the treatment has been effective?
A patient is treated for hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding indicates that the treatment has been effective?
A patient with a history of hyperthyroidism has undergone radioactive iodine treatment. Years later, they present with symptoms of hypothyroidism. What is the most likely cause of their current condition?
A patient with a history of hyperthyroidism has undergone radioactive iodine treatment. Years later, they present with symptoms of hypothyroidism. What is the most likely cause of their current condition?
A patient with hypothyroidism reports taking their levothyroxine daily but continues to experience fatigue. Which of the following factors should be evaluated first?
A patient with hypothyroidism reports taking their levothyroxine daily but continues to experience fatigue. Which of the following factors should be evaluated first?
A patient with myxedema coma is being treated with IV levothyroxine and hydrocortisone. What is the rationale for administering hydrocortisone in addition to levothyroxine?
A patient with myxedema coma is being treated with IV levothyroxine and hydrocortisone. What is the rationale for administering hydrocortisone in addition to levothyroxine?
A patient with long-standing, untreated hypothyroidism is likely to develop which hematological abnormality?
A patient with long-standing, untreated hypothyroidism is likely to develop which hematological abnormality?
When managing a patient in myxedema coma with severe hyponatremia, which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate after initiating fluid restriction?
When managing a patient in myxedema coma with severe hyponatremia, which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate after initiating fluid restriction?
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. Which assessment finding would warrant an immediate reduction in the levothyroxine dosage?
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. Which assessment finding would warrant an immediate reduction in the levothyroxine dosage?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed methimazole (Tapazole). What laboratory value needs to be monitored most closely?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed methimazole (Tapazole). What laboratory value needs to be monitored most closely?
A patient with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine. Which statement indicates the patient needs further teaching regarding their medication?
A patient with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine. Which statement indicates the patient needs further teaching regarding their medication?
A patient with Graves' disease is experiencing persistent atrial fibrillation despite being on antithyroid medications. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A patient with Graves' disease is experiencing persistent atrial fibrillation despite being on antithyroid medications. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A patient with hypothyroidism presents for a follow-up appointment. Lab results show an elevated TSH and a low free T4. Which of the following nursing interventions is MOST appropriate?
A patient with hypothyroidism presents for a follow-up appointment. Lab results show an elevated TSH and a low free T4. Which of the following nursing interventions is MOST appropriate?
A patient with hyperthyroidism develops eye pain, proptosis, and diplopia. Which intervention should be prioritized?
A patient with hyperthyroidism develops eye pain, proptosis, and diplopia. Which intervention should be prioritized?
In a patient with hyperthyroidism, which of the following signs and symptoms would be most indicative of thyroid storm?
In a patient with hyperthyroidism, which of the following signs and symptoms would be most indicative of thyroid storm?
After undergoing radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for hyperthyroidism, what is the most important education point for a patient regarding radiation safety at home?
After undergoing radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for hyperthyroidism, what is the most important education point for a patient regarding radiation safety at home?
Which of the following is the MOST likely long-term complication of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for hyperthyroidism
Which of the following is the MOST likely long-term complication of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for hyperthyroidism
A patient with hyperthyroidism is being treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) during the first trimester of pregnancy. What is the primary reason for choosing PTU over methimazole in this situation?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is being treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) during the first trimester of pregnancy. What is the primary reason for choosing PTU over methimazole in this situation?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which medication is typically prescribed preoperatively to achieve a euthyroid state and minimize the risk of thyroid storm during surgery?
A patient with hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which medication is typically prescribed preoperatively to achieve a euthyroid state and minimize the risk of thyroid storm during surgery?
A patient experiencing a thyroid storm exhibits severe hyperthermia. Which of the following interventions is MOST critical in managing this manifestation?
A patient experiencing a thyroid storm exhibits severe hyperthermia. Which of the following interventions is MOST critical in managing this manifestation?
In a patient undergoing treatment for thyroid storm, why is it important to administer iodide solutions (such as Lugol's solution) one hour after antithyroid medications?
In a patient undergoing treatment for thyroid storm, why is it important to administer iodide solutions (such as Lugol's solution) one hour after antithyroid medications?
A patient with a history of Graves' disease is admitted with suspected thyroid storm following a motor vehicle accident. Besides pharmacological interventions, what is an essential nursing intervention for this patient?
A patient with a history of Graves' disease is admitted with suspected thyroid storm following a motor vehicle accident. Besides pharmacological interventions, what is an essential nursing intervention for this patient?
A patient in thyroid storm is prescribed Esmolol. What is the primary rationale for using this medication in this situation?
A patient in thyroid storm is prescribed Esmolol. What is the primary rationale for using this medication in this situation?
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. After several months, the patient reports persistent fatigue and constipation despite taking the medication as prescribed. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?
A patient with hypothyroidism is started on levothyroxine. After several months, the patient reports persistent fatigue and constipation despite taking the medication as prescribed. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?
A patient with hypothyroidism is diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. How should the adrenal insufficiency be managed in relation to the hypothyroidism?
A patient with hypothyroidism is diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. How should the adrenal insufficiency be managed in relation to the hypothyroidism?
A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying this condition?
A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying this condition?
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide?
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide?
Flashcards
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Increased thyroid hormone levels, leading to hypermetabolism.
Thyrotoxicosis
Thyrotoxicosis
Toxic condition due to hyperactivity of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Decreased thyroid hormone levels; resulting in slowed metabolic processes
Hashimoto Disease
Hashimoto Disease
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Primary Hypothyroidism
Primary Hypothyroidism
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Secondary Hypothyroidism
Secondary Hypothyroidism
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Graves disease
Graves disease
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Exophthalmos
Exophthalmos
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Atrial fibrillation (in hyperthyroidism)
Atrial fibrillation (in hyperthyroidism)
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Exertional Dyspnea (in hyperthyroidism)
Exertional Dyspnea (in hyperthyroidism)
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Hyperthyroidism Lab Values
Hyperthyroidism Lab Values
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Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test
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Beta-blockers for Hyperthyroidism
Beta-blockers for Hyperthyroidism
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Antithyroid Meds Dosing
Antithyroid Meds Dosing
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Toxic Multinodular Goiter
Toxic Multinodular Goiter
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Thyroid Storm
Thyroid Storm
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Thyroid Storm triggers
Thyroid Storm triggers
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Thyroid Storm symptoms
Thyroid Storm symptoms
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Thyroid Storm - Medications
Thyroid Storm - Medications
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Thyroid Storm - Inhibit release
Thyroid Storm - Inhibit release
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Thyroid storm - Beta-blockers
Thyroid storm - Beta-blockers
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US Hypothyroidism Cause
US Hypothyroidism Cause
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Hypothyroidism Etiology (US)
Hypothyroidism Etiology (US)
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Hypothyroidism: Common S&S
Hypothyroidism: Common S&S
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Hypothyroidism Labs
Hypothyroidism Labs
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Hypothyroidism: Electrolytes & Blood
Hypothyroidism: Electrolytes & Blood
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Hypothyroidism Treatment
Hypothyroidism Treatment
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Myxedema Coma
Myxedema Coma
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Myxedema Coma: Initial Tx
Myxedema Coma: Initial Tx
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Myxedema Coma: Rewarming
Myxedema Coma: Rewarming
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Thyroid Hyperfunction
Thyroid Hyperfunction
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Thyroid Hypofunction
Thyroid Hypofunction
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Secondary Thyroid Dysfunction
Secondary Thyroid Dysfunction
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Exophthalmos Cause
Exophthalmos Cause
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Diplopia
Diplopia
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Pretibial Myxedema
Pretibial Myxedema
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Hypermetabolism
Hypermetabolism
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Hyperthyroidism: Psychological Symptoms
Hyperthyroidism: Psychological Symptoms
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Hyperthyroidism: Skin & Hair Changes
Hyperthyroidism: Skin & Hair Changes
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Hyperreflexia in Hyperthyroidism
Hyperreflexia in Hyperthyroidism
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Graves Ophthalmopathy
Graves Ophthalmopathy
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Radioactive Iodine Uptake Results
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Results
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Toxic Multinodular Goiter vs. Graves
Toxic Multinodular Goiter vs. Graves
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Hypothyroidism – S&S
Hypothyroidism – S&S
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Hypothyroidism - Electrolytes/Blood
Hypothyroidism - Electrolytes/Blood
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Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
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Myxedema Coma - Initial Treatment
Myxedema Coma - Initial Treatment
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Study Notes
- Alterations of thyroid function involve either hyperfunction or hypofunction of the thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism is the condition resulting from hyperfunction.
- Thyrotoxicosis, Graves disease, hyperthyroidism from nodular thyroid disease and thyrotoxic crisis are examples of diseases that can arise from hyperthyroidism.
- Signs of hyperthyroidism include thin hair and exophthalmos.
Hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease
- Graves disease is a hyperthyroid condition and the most common cause of hyperactive thyroid.
- Graves disease is an autoimmune disease which develops autoantibodies.
- Clinical manifestations of Graves includes ophthalmopathy, a condition with some degree of manifestation.
- Exophthalmos is the increased secretion of hyaluronic acid, orbital fat accumulation, inflammation, and edema of orbital contents.
- Those with exophthalmos may experience double vision, also known as diplopia.
- Pretibial myxedema, also known as Graves dermopathy includes leg swelling.
Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms
- Some signs and symptoms include hypermetabolism, heat intolerance, fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, manic behavior, restlessness, emotional liability, fine tremors and hyperreflexia deep tendon reflexes.
- Additional signs and symptoms include resting tachycardia, palpitations, atrail fib, exertional dyspnea, increased appetite, weightloss, frequent bowel movements, velvety skin, thin hair, exophthalmos and lid lag.
- Infrequent blinking can occur.
- 20-40% of cases involve Graves Ophthalmopathy.
Hyperthyroidism Diagnostics and Labs
- TSH < 3 uIU/L
- Serum T3, T4 and free Thyroxine are elevated
- ESR is elevated
- Serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) is elevated
- Hypercalcemia and anemia can occur
- If etiology is unclear, radioactive iodine uptake is necessary.
- High iodine uptake indicates Graves
- Low iodine uptake indicates subacute thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation with low grade fever, dysphagia and elevated ESR).
Hyperthyroidism Management
- Beta blockers can be used to treat tachycardia and tremors.
- Propranolol (Inderal) 10mg PO
- Metoprolol (Lopressor) 25mg PO
- Antithyroid medications include:
- Methimazole (Tapazole): initial dose of 30-60mg daily divided in 3 doses, maintenance dose of of 5-15mg PO
- Propylthiouracil: initial dose of 300-600mg/day in four doses, maintenance dose of 100-150mg/day.
- Radioactive iodine is used to destroy goiters and may take 3-4 months to become euthyroid, can result in hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid surgery is not common, but can be used w/ pregnancy or suspected cancer.
Hyperthyroidism Resulting from Nodular Thyroid Disease
- Toxic multinodular goiter involves several hyperfunctioning nodules secreting thyroid hormone.
- Solitary toxic adenoma: only one nodule becomes hyperfunctioning.
- Clinical manifestations are the same as hyperthyroidism but occur slowly.
- Exophthalmos and pretibial myxedema do not occur.
- Examination is performed for cancer.
- Radioactive iodine, surgery or antithyroid drugs are administered.
Hyperthyroidism and Thyroid Storm
- Thyrotoxic crisis is also known as thyroid storm.
- It is a rare but life-threatening condition if left untreated for 48 hours.
- Thyroid storm results from excessive stress and increased action of Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3).
- Trauma, stress, infection, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, thyroid supplement overdose and pregnancy are predisposing factors.
- Excess amounts of thyroid hormone are secreted from the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Storm Clinical Manifestations
- Hyperthermia (100-105F)
- Diaphoresis (4L/24H)
- Marked Tachycardia (supraventricular)
- Palpitations
- Mental Changes (agitation, delirium, psychosis, stupor, coma)
- GI disturbances (n/v, diarrhea)
- Hyperglycemia
Thyroid Storm Treatment
- Block Thyroid Hormone Synthesis:
- Propylthiouracil (900-1200mg/d)
- Methimazole (90-1200mg/d)
- Inhibit Release of Thyroid Hormones, given 1 hour after thyroid drug administration
- Lugol's solution 10gtts po TID
- Sodium lodine 1 gram slow IV
- Block effects of thyroid hormone (Beta-blockers)
- Esmolol 40-80 mg Q6gr with Hydrocortisone 50 mg q6hr with taper dose
- Surgery or treat with Radioactive iodine following euthyroid
Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism is the condition resulting from hypofunction.
- Primary, secondary, subclinical, congenital hypothyroidism and thyroid carcinoma are examples of diseases that can arise from hypothyroidism.
- In primary, the thyroid gland is not functioning
- For secondary, the pituitary gland is not secreting enough TSH, resulting in hypothyroid (T3 + T4).
- For tertiary, the hypothalamus isn't producing enough TRH, resulting in hypothyroid (T3 + T4).
- Most common thyroid disease.
- Women are more likely to have it then men.
- Most common cause worldwide is iodine deficiency.
- Most common cause in the US is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's, autoimmune dysfunction of thyroid gland).
- Additional causes are thyroidectomy, failure to take thyroid medication, radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism.
- Signs of hypothyroidism include loss of hair.
Hypothyroidism Signs and Symptoms
- Greatly decreased metabolism, loss of hair, coarse brittle hair, periorbital edema and puffy face are signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Additional signs and symptoms include normal, enlarged or small thyroid, heart failure (bradycardia), constipation, cold intolerance, muscle weakness and edema of the extremities.
- Further signs and symptoms include extreme fatigue, puffiness of face/eyes, hypoventilation, bradycardia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, anorexia, decreased bowel sounds, constipation and weight gain (not morbid obesity).
- Other symptoms include dry cracked skin, coarse brittle hair, brittle nails, cold intolerance, myxedema in extremities, periorbital edema, decreased deep tendon reflexes, parasthesia, enlarged tongue, hair loss and hoarseness.
- Males may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation.
- They also may experience carpal tunnel bilaterally.
- Abnormal menstruation can occur (amenorrhea, hypermennorrhea, menorrhagia)
- Increases abortion risk.
Hypothyroidism Diagnostics and Labs
- Elevated TSH (> 4 ulU/L)
- Low or low normal T4 (free), not total (bound) T4
- Decreased resin T3 uptake .
- T3 is not a reliable test for hypothyroidism, there is increased conversion of T4 to T3 (compensatory mechanism).
- Hypoglycemia can occur.
- Hyponatremia can occur.
- Anemia (normochromic, normocytic).
- Can occur with RBC normal size and color
- Hypocoagulable state (increased bleeding risk)
- Hypertension (increased vascular resistance)
Hypothyroidism Management
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid): T4
Myxedema Coma Management
- Oxygen
- Fluid restriction & 3% NS for severe hyponatremia
- D5W for hypoglycemia
- IV Thyroid replacement:
- Levothyroxine (T4) one dose 300-500mcg IV the n 50-100 mcg daily
- Alternative: Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel) (T3) 25-50 mcg IV every 4-6 hr
- Another Alt: levothyroxine (T$) 200 mcg and Liothyronine Sodium (T3) 25 mg single dose
- If Adrenal Insuff: hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) 100 mg IV bolus then 25-50 mg q 8hr; wanting to avoid rebound hyperadrenalism effects when rapid thyroid replacements are started
- Slow rewarming blankets (hyperthermia blankets are contraindicated -> circulatory collapse)
- Levothyroxine 100-200 mcg/d for life
Primary vs Secondary
- Primary relates to dysfunction or disease of the thyroid gland.
- Alters Thyroid hormone (TH) production
- Secondary involves conditions that cause alterations in pituitary or hypothalamic functioning.
- Alters TSH or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) production.
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