Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

(^334) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
abnormal antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can also be
caused by decreased production of the TSH hormone from the pituitary gland, a
side effect of surgery, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and treatment for hyper-
thyroidism.
PROGNOSIS
Prognosis is excellent with replacement of thyroid hormones.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS



  • Fatigue due to slow metabolism

  • Hypothermia due to slow metabolism

  • Brittle nails due to low levels of thyroid hormone, which helps growth and
    development

  • Thick dry hair from lack of thyroid hormone

  • Dry skin from lack of thyroid hormone

  • Menstruation changes due to diminished levels of thyroid hormone

  • Slow cognitive function due to slow metabolism

  • Weight gain, low levels of thyroid hormone causes fatigue, sluggishness


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • Increased thyroid stimulating hormore (TSH) unless the cause is due to a
    decreased production of TSH by the pituitary gland.

  • Decreased T3, T4.

  • Presence of thyroglobulin, indicating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

  • Presence of peroxidase autoantibodies in serum, indicating Hashimoto’s
    thyroiditis.


TREATMENT



  • Replacement hormone; levothyroxine is the treatment of choice.

Free download pdf