Hyperthyroidism: Graves' Disease and Thyroid Hormone Level Essay

Thyroid hormones are essential for the body to function normally. To achieve this purpose, the thyroid hormones must be present in the body in the correct amount — not too little and not too much. Hyperthyroidism is the medical term applied to an over-active thyroid gland with consequent excess secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), causing the body to “speed up. ” Hyperthyroidism with an enlarged thyroid gland is more popularly known as toxic goiter. What are the causes of hyperthyroidism? Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged and patients usually complain of eye discomfort or, in extreme cases, bulging eyes. This is most commonly seen among young females and affects multiple family members. A toxic nodule is a single nodule or lump in the thyroid gland that over-produces hormones, causing hyperthyroidism. Unlike Graves’ disease, this is not familial. It is also known as Plummer’s nodule. Toxic multinodular goiter is usually seen in patients more than 50 years old who had long-standing goiters.

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Unlike Plummer’s nodule, several nodules may hyperfunction in this condition. Acute or subacute thyroiditis presents with an antecedent viral infection with thyroid gland enlargement, later developing symptoms of hyperthyroidism because of leakage of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. Fortunately, this condition resolves spontaneously, but may later cause hypothyroidism. Overmedication of thyroid hormones given for hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer can produce “thyrotoxicosis factitia. ” What are the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

When hyperthyroidism develops, a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid) is usually present and may be associated with some or all of the following symptoms: * rapid heartbeat * palpitations * nervousness or irritability * shakiness or tremors * intolerance to heat * weight loss * diarrhea * agitation * inability to sleep * muscle weakness * fatigue * increased sweating * shorter menstrual blood flow How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed? Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed with blood tests such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), tri-iodothyronine (T3) or tetra-iodothyronine (T4) levels.

A low TSH level is the most accurate indicator of hyperthyroidism. If the TSH level is low, it is important to check the thyroid hormone level (high T3 and T4) to confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine uptake may also be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. It is a measurement of how much iodine the thyroid gland can collect. A thyroid scan shows how the iodine is distributed throughout the gland. This information is useful in determining the cause of hyperthyroidism. How is hyperthyroidism treated? Treatment of hyperthyroidism aims at stopping the overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Anti-thyroid medications like PTU, carbimazole or methimazole are used to block the production of thyroid hormones. A rare side effect of these medications is a decrease in the number of white blood cells. A patient who develops a fever while on these medicines must immediately seek medical attention. Radioactive iodine may be given to destroy thyroid cells. This can kill too many cells causing hormone levels to become low, leading to hypothyroidism. Surgery removes part or all of the hyperfunctioning thyroid gland. This is the preferred method of treating a toxic nodule. HYPERTHYROIDISM

Grave’s Disorder / Parry’s Disorder / Basedow’s Disorder / Exophthalmic Goiter / TOXIC Diffuse Goiter – females , below 40 yrs. Severe emotional stress Autoimmune Disorder ASSESSMENT 1. Thyroidal disturbances * Restlessness, nervousness, irritability, agitation * Fine tremors * Tachycardia * Hypertension * appetite to eat * Weight loss * Diaphoresis * Diarrhea * Heat intolerance * Amenorrhea * Fine silky hair * Pliable nails 2. Ophthalmopathy * Exophthalmos * Accumulation of fluids at the fat pads behind the eyeballs, pushing the eyeballs forward. CORNEAL ULCERATION OPHTHALMITIS BLINDNESS * Von Graefe’s sign (LID LAG) Long and deep palpebral fissure when one looks down * Jeffrey’s sign * Forehead remains smooth when one looks up * Dalyrimple’s sign (Thyroid stare) * Bright – eyed stare * Infrequent blinking 3. Dermopathy Warm, flushed sweaty skin Thickened hyper pigmented skin at the pretibial area MANAGEMENT 1. Rest. * Non – stimulating cool environment 2. Diet * caloric * fiber 3. Promote safety =4. Protect the eyes * Artificial tears at regular intervals * Wear dark sunglasses when going out under the sun. 5. Replace fluid – electrolyte losses 6. Pharmacotherapy a. Beta – blockers : Inderal * To control tachycardia, HPN b. Iodides : Lugol’s solution . SSKI * To inhibit release of thyroid * Mix with fruit juice with ice or glass of water * Provide drinking straw * Side effects * Allergic reaction, Increased salivation d. Thioamides: * PTU (Propylthiouracil) & Tapazole (Methimazole) * To inhibit synthesis of thyroid hormones * Side effects: * AGRANULOCYTOSIS / NEUTROPENIA * Fever, Sore throat, Skin rashes e. Ca – channel blockers f. Dexamethasone * Inhibit the action of thyroid hormones 7. Radiation therapy (I131) – Isolation for few days 8. Surgery * Subtotal Thyroidectomy * 5/6 of the gland is removed PREOP CARE 1. Promote euthyroid state * Control of thyroid disturbance Stable VS 2. Administer Iodides as ordered * To reduce the size & vascularity of thyroid gland, thereby prevent postop hemorrhage ,thyroid crisis 3. ECG * Heart failure / cardiac damage results from HPN / tachycardia POSTOP CARE 1. Position : Semi – Fowler’s with head, neck & shoulder erect. 2. Prevent Hemorrhage * Ice collar over the neck 3. Keep tracheostomy set available for the first 48 postop. Parathyroid damage Hypocalcemia Laryngospasm AW Obstruction 4. Ask the patient to speak q hr. * To assess for recurrent laryngeal nerve damage 5. Keep Ca gluconate readily available * Tetany occurs if hypoCa is present 6.

Monitor B. Temperature * Hyperthermia is an initial sign of thyroid crisis 7. Monitor BP * To assess for Trousseau’s sign (hypocalcemia) 8. Steam inhalation to soothe irritated airways. 9. Advise to support neck with interlaced fingers when getting up from bed 10. Observe for s/sx of potential complications a. Hemorrhage b. Airway obstruction c. Tetany d. Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage e. Thyroid crisis / storm / thyrotoxicosis f. myxedema 11. Client Teaching a. ROM exercises of the neck 3 – 4 x / day after discharge. b. Massage incision site with cocoa butter lotion to minimize scarring c. Regular follow – up care

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