Hypothyroidism and Thyroid Function Laboratory Profile

Vocabulary flashcards covering nursing priorities for hypothyroidism and thyroid function laboratory reference values.

Decreased Gas Exchange in Hypothyroidism

A priority problem for patients who have hypothyroidism caused by decreased energy, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

Nursing Priorities for Cardiac Output and Perfusion

Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm for changes and preventing complications such as increased blood pressure and dysrhythmias.

Serum T3 (Age 20-50 years)

Normal range is $70\text{-}205\,ng/dL$ ($1.2\text{-}3.4\,nmol/L$); decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism.

Serum T3 (Age >50 years)

Normal range is $40\text{-}180\,ng/dL$ ($0.6\text{-}2.8\,nmol/L$); decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism.

Serum T4 (total) in Males

Normal range is $4\text{-}12\,mcg/dL$ ($59\text{-}135\,nmol/L$); decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism.

Serum T4 (total) in Females

Normal range is $5\text{-}12\,mcg/dL$ ($71\text{-}142\,nmol/L$); decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism.

Serum T4 (total) in Older Adults (>60 years old)

Normal range is $5\text{-}11\,mcg/dL$ ($64\text{-}142\,nmol/L$); decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism.

"Direct" free T4

Normal range is $0.8\text{-}2.8\,ng/dL$ ($10\text{-}36\,pmol/L$); decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Normal Range

$0.3\text{-}5\,U/mL$ ($0.3\text{-}5\,mU/L$)

TSH in Primary Hypothyroidism

High

TSH in Secondary or Tertiary Hypothyroidism

Low

TSH in Secondary or Tertiary Hyperthyroidism

High

TSH in Graves Disease

Low