CHAPTER 8 Endocrine System^339
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Decreased or normal serum T4 level caused by an underactive thyroid.
- Increased serum TSH, by the pituitary gland, attempting to stimulate or shut
off production of the thyroid in making thyroid hormone. - RAIU uptake normal or increased—a radioactive isotope is injected into a
vein. A scan of the thyroid is done to visualize the thyroid more completely. - Ultrasound enables sound waves to bounce off the gland, giving the size and
location of any nodules.
TREATMENT
- If increased TSH, administer hormone replacement with levothyroxine (T4),
dessicated thyroid, or liothyronine (T3). - If the thyroid gland is overactive, then administer small doses of Lugol’s
solution or potassium iodide solution. - If the simple goiter cannot be reduced through medication, then a thyroid-
ectomy is performed during which all or part of the thyroid is removed.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than what body requires; related to inadequate in-
take in relation to metabolic needs - Fatigue related to sleep deprivation
- Hyperthermia related to increased metabolic rate
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Avoid goitrogenic foods or drugs in sporadic goiter since they make thyroid
hormone production. - Use iodized salt to prevent and treat endemic goiter, since the thyroid needs
iodine to make thyroid hormone. - Explain to patient:
- The need for life-long thyroid replacement after thyroidectomy and radio-
active iodine.
- The need for life-long thyroid replacement after thyroidectomy and radio-