(^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.