Thyroid Conditions Pathology and Nursing Care

This set of flashcards covers the physiology, risk factors, clinical presentations, laboratory diagnostics, and medical treatments for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism as described in the lecture notes.

Thyroid gland

A butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces $T_3$ and $T_4$ hormones to regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

$T_3$ (triiodothyronine)

A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and is stimulated for release by TSH.

$T_4$ (thyroxine)

A thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and is released in response to stimulation from the anterior pituitary.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland to release $T_3$ and $T_4$.

Hypothyroidism Lab Profile

A diagnostic finding characterized by elevated TSH levels accompanied by low $T_3$ and low $T_4$ levels.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder where infection and inflammation cause the production of autoantibodies, resulting in tissue destruction and reduced thyroid hormone secretion.

Levothyroxine

A synthetic thyroid hormone used for hypothyroidism; it is weight-based and should be taken either 1 hour before or 3 hours after a meal.

Myxedema Coma

A life-threatening condition resulting from untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism, presenting with respiratory failure, hypotension, hypothermia, and bradycardia.

TRH (Thyrotropin-releasing hormone)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus when signals indicate low levels of TSH, $T_3$, or $T_4$.

Hyperthyroidism Lab Profile

A diagnostic finding characterized by decreased TSH levels accompanied by increased $T_4$ and $T_3$ levels.

Exophthalmos

A clinical presentation of hyperthyroidism characterized by bulging eyes, often accompanied by dry eyes and swollen eyelids.

24-hr radioactive iodine uptake scan (RAIU)

A nuclear medicine test used to evaluate the size and function of the thyroid gland in hyperthyroid patients.

Methimazole

An antithyroid medication that prevents the thyroid gland from producing thyroid hormone; potential adverse effects include low granulocyte count and liver toxicity.

Propylthiouracil

A medication that blocks thyroid peroxidase to treat hyperthyroidism; adverse effects include liver damage, vasculitis, and low granulocyte count.

Thyroid storm/crisis

A sudden surge of large amounts of thyroid hormones causing hyperthermia, hypertension, delirium, and tachycardia.

Amiodarone

A medication that can be a risk factor for both hypothyroidism (due to its chemical composition) and hyperthyroidism (as it contains high levels of iodine).