Term
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Definition
Low thyroid function
"Hashimoto disease"
Causes low TH levels and symptoms of slow metabolism
Thyroid works harder and grows larger |
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Term
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Definition
Severe form of hypothyroidism in adults
s/s include hair loss, firm & waxy skin, lethargy, seizures |
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Term
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Definition
Hypothyroidism in neonates
Causes stunted physical growth and mental retardation |
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Term
| Common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism |
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Definition
| Thickened skin, decreased cardiac and respiratory rates (main concern), weight gain, loss of appetite, anorexia, muscle weakness, lethargy |
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Term
| TH Replacement Drugs and their intended responses |
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Definition
levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl)
liothyronine sodium (Cytomel, Triostat)
Intended responses: Normal vital signs, maintain body weight, mental alertness, intact memory, normal bowel movement pattern |
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Term
| Effects of TH Replacement Drugs on other medications |
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Definition
-Enhance the action of Coumadin (increased bleeding)
-Decrease levels of Lonoxen
-Decrease effects of diabetic medication |
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Term
| Side effects of TH Replacement Drugs |
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Definition
| Tachycardia, hypertension, warm skin, insomnia, increased bowel movements |
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Term
| Adverse effects of TH Replacement Drugs |
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Definition
| Angina, heart attack, heart failure, seizures |
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Term
| Patient teaching related to TH Replacement Drugs |
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Definition
-Dosage is slowly increased over 2 to 3 weeks
-Take exactly as prescribed
-Take pulse at scheduled times: before taking drug and before bedtime
-Do not take with a fiber supplement as it decreases the effects of the drug
-If HR increases by 20 beats/min in 1 week contact physician |
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Term
| Lifespan Considerations for TH Replacement Drugs |
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Definition
Pediatric: Safe; medication adjusted with growth spurts
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Category A; may need higher doses; avoid breastfeeding
Older Adults: More likely to experience adverse cardiac/nervous system effects
Follow-up every 3 to 6 months
Patients with diabetes may need higher doses of insulin; frequent blood glucose level checks |
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Term
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Definition
Overactive thyroid
Caused by: Graves' disease, tumors, excessive thyroid growth, excessive iodine
Also called: thyrotoxicosis (d/t affecting all organs)
Faster metabolism |
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Term
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Definition
Cause of overactive thyroid
Must have 3 components: Goiter, peritibal edema (swelling of lower legs but not pitting edema), exophalamos (bugging of eyes) |
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Term
| Common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism |
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Definition
-Skin hot and dry
-Increased cardiac and respiratory rates
-Weight loss/hair loss
-Increased appetite (but loses weight)
-Muscle weakness
-Nervousness
-Irritability
-Unable to sleep well
-Tremors
-Altered menstrual flow |
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Term
| Treatment of Hyperthyroidism |
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Definition
Treatments destroys part/all of thyroid gland by:
-Surgery (thyroidectomy)
-radiation (need to stay home for 48 hours due to being radioactive |
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Term
| Thyroid-suppressing drugs (for HYPERthyroidism)and their intended responses |
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Definition
Drugs reduce hormone production prior to surgery
-methimazole (Tapazole)
-propylthiouracil (PTU)
Intended response: Normal everything |
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Term
| Sides effects of thyroid-suppressing drugs |
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Definition
| Rash, nausea, headache, muscle/joint aches |
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Term
| Adverse effects of thyroid-suppressing drugs |
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Definition
| Bone marrow suppression (which leads to decreases RBCs which leads to anemia and increase risk for infection), hepatotoxicity, enhances activity of Coumadin |
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Term
| What to check before and after administering thyroid-suppressing drugs |
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Definition
Check before: Vital signs, liver function tests
Check after: Blood counts; assess for jaundice (due to hepatotoxicity) |
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Term
| Patient teaching related to thyroid-suppressing hormones |
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Definition
-Medical follow-up
-Regular monitoring of blood counts (INR)
-Avoid crowds due to decreased immunity
-Monitor for jaundice; report if present
s/s of jaundice: yellow discoloration of white part of eyes and skin
-Avoid food high in iodine |
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Term
| Life Span Considerations for thyroid-suppressing drugs |
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Definition
Pediatric: NOT USED UNDER AGE OF 6; use with caution on short-term basis
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: NOT USED Category D; causes miscarriages; avoid during breastfeeding
Older adults: Severe adverse effects more likely |
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Term
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Definition
| located behind the thyroid gland with one on each side; Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted in response to a reduction in serum calcium levels |
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Term
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Definition
| Need calcitriol to increase calcium absorption; vitamin D supplements may be given (assists in the absorption of calcium and bone resorption) |
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Term
| Tips for patients with thyroid disorders |
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Definition
-Too high of a dose will result in nervousness, irritability, and insomnia
-Keep a log of pulse, weight, and mood status
-For patients with hyperthyroidism: avoid foods high in iodine, such as soy, tofu, turnips, seafood, and iodized salt
-Immediately report chest pain
-Synthroid takes several weeks to months to reach a therapeutic level (lab tests every 6-12 months after therapeutic level) |
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Term
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Definition
| transition time from normal periods to no periods for a full year |
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Term
| Effects of high level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) |
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Definition
-dilated blood vessels
-hot flashes/night sweats
-decreased mental concentration |
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Term
| Effects of low estrogen levels |
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Definition
-Cause unpleasant changes in skin, vaginal tissues
-Increased rate of bone loss (osteoporosis) |
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Term
| Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and their intended responses |
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Definition
-conjugated estrogens (Premarin)
-methroxyPROGESTERone (Premphase, Prempro)
Intended Response: Replace naturally secreted estrogen/progesterone with exogenous hormones during perimenopausal period
-Reduce number, severity of hot flushes/night sweats
-Reduce vaginal dryness |
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Term
| Side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) |
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Definition
| breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, fluid-retention weight gain, acne |
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Term
| Adverse effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) |
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Definition
| increased blood clotting, hormone-sensitive cancers; liver impairment; gallbladder disease; pancreatitis |
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Term
| Patient teaching related to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) |
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Definition
-take exactly as prescribed
-annual screenings for breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian cancer
-smoking cessation
-monitor/report symptoms of jaundice
-seek medical attention for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling in one leg (blood clot), symptoms of a stroke |
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