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49 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
THYROID GLAND
contains two types of cells
follicular cells
Parafollicular cells
follicular cells (thyroid)
that produce thyroxine (T4) & triiodothyronine (T3)
Parafollicular cells
secrete calcitonin
calcitonin
lowers serum calcium levels in response to increased plasma levels of calcium
Together, thyroxine (T4) & triiodothyronine (T3)
Are amino acids that contain Iodine molecules. T4 contains 4 and T3 contains 3
thyroid gland can store a large amount of this hormone
calcitonin (for months)
Thyroid Hormone Effects
Increase rate protein, fat and cho catabolism. Affects most body tissues.
Regulates metabolic rate all cells.
Regulates body heat production.
Insulin antagonist.
Maintains GH.
CNS development.
Maintains cardiac rate, force, CO.
Maintains secretions GI tract.
RBC production.
Regulates SNS activity (catecholamine).
Regulation of Thyroid Function
Regulated by hypothalamus pituitary-thyroid feedback mechanism.
hypothalamus pituitary-thyroid feedback mechanism.
The hypothalamus senses a decreased level thyroid hormone blood and stimulates release TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) to go to anterior pituitary which releases TSH causing follicular cells to release hormones. Also stimulated with cold and stress.
Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism include
weight gain, fatigue, decreased energy, brittle nails, dry skin, cold intolerance, hair loss, constipation, and numbness and tingling.
Early signs of hypothyroidism
Extreme fatigue & weight gain.
Metabolic s/s of hypothyroidism
decreased body temperature; cold tolerance. Weight gain without food intake increased. Hypoglycemia.
cardiovascular s/s of hypothyroidism
hypotension, decreased cardiac output, decreased
RBC production (anemia), decreased activity tolerance. Bradycardia. Dysarrhythmias. Elevated serum cholesterol.
Pulmonary s/s of hypothyroidism
dyspnea, pleural effusion
GI s/s of hypothyroidism
constipation, abdominal distention (decreased motility)
Integumentary s/s of hypothyroidism
ivory or yellow tint (carotine production), skin thick; accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in subq tissues of facial and pre-tibial areas and is called myxedema. Non-pitting edema. Also dry skin & hair loss.
Menstrual disturbances with hypothyroidism
decreased ovulation, irregular and heavy menses. Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Neurologic s/s of hypothyroidism
increased sleep, lethargy, somnolence, confusion, hearing loss, impaired memory, increased sensitivity to sedatives
Musculoskeletal s/s of hypothyroidism
muscle aches and weakness
Endocrine s/s of hypothyroidism
goiter
Normal T3
80-200 ng/dl
Normal T4
5-12 mcg/dl
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
TSH regulates the secretion of T3 and T4; circulating level of T3 and T4 serve as a feedback mechanism to turn off TSH.
T3 and T4 decreased-stimulates
TSH to increase production of T3 & T4.
TSH elevated
Thyroid stimulating hormone; regulates secretion of T3 & T4 and serves as feedback to turn off T3 & T4
Appropriate Nursing Diagnoses for a client with Hypothyroidism would probably include which of the following?
Activity intolerance related to fatigue associated with the disorder.
LEVOTHYROXINE (SYNTHROID) Patient teaching needs:
take empty stomach-1 hour ac/2 hours pc
Do not stop without consulting MD
Report...
Chest pain, SOB, palpitations
Pulse > 100
Food and Drug interactions
Do not substitute
Thyroid replacement
is for life to restore a normal metabolic state by replacing missing hormone.
Synthroid (Levothyroxine) (T4) is preferred medication
Dosage based on TSH levels and client’s response. Maintenance .1-.4 mg/day. Has a half-life of 6-7 days. Gradually increase every 2-3 weeks to maintenance levels.
Levothyroxine medication interactions
anticoagulants, iron supplements, fiber, calcium and MVI.
hypothyroidism teaching issues
Maintain well-balanced diet; fluids and fiber and low calorie & activity to prevent constipation: Normal amount salt. Treat constipation.
Moderate exercise.
Adequate rest.
Good skin care-lubricate, sufficient clothing. Prevent breakdown.
Lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Monitor pulse. Teach how to take.
Avoid OTC meds because of interactions
Before administering levothyroxine (Synthroid) to a client, the nurse should:
Check the pulse because Tachycardia is a side effect
MYXEDEMA COMA s/s
Extreme form of hypothyroidism
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Hypothermia
Coma
Respiratory depression
Hypoglycemia
MYXEDEMA COMA be precipitated by
rapid withdrawal of thyroid medication; infection in undiagnosed hypothyroidism; acute illness, stress
MYXEDEMA COMA is
Rare but very serious.
Prevention: Take medication as directed. Rest of life.
Avoid stressful events; infection; trauma; surgery.
Wear ID.
What are the Nursing Responses for MYXEDEMA COMA?
ABC: Maintaining vitals, acid-base balance, C-V status, body temperature and thyroid hormone levels.
Airway patency with ventilatory support; respiratory drive is depressed.
IV hormone replacement; Levothyroxine IV
IV fluids to support circulation; replace glucose
Continuous EKG monitoring; BP monitoring; Hourly I/O
Administer IV Corticosteroids
Treat underlying cause (usually infection)
Wrap in blankets; do not use warming blanket as causes peripheral vasodilatation and increases s/s
Avoid sedation. Continue to monitor very closely.
Recovery depends on promptness of treatment. High mortality rate.
A Client is admitted to the emergency department and a diagnosis of myxedema coma is made. What nursing actions should the nurse prepare to carry out initially?
The client is in need of IV levothyroxine need to be kept warm, have fluids replaced but the initial nursing action is to maintain an airway
Hyperglycemia teaching
Re-think what was eaten
Insulin at the correct time
Adhere to diet.
Good hygiene
Sick-day rules
Monitor blood glucose levels more frequently
Contact MD if levels high
Wear ID
Hypoglycemia teaching
Insulin at correct time
Eat at proper times
Compensation for exercise/activity
Recognize s/s immediately
Carry simple CHO
Monitor blood glucose levels
Avoid alcohol ; potentiates hypoglycemic effects if insulin and other agents
A client with Type I DM comes to the ED with deep respirations, lethargy and extreme thirst. The nurse realizes that this client may be demonstrating
These are symptoms of DKA. The reason that this is occurring is possible because of an infection such as the flu. The client with hypercapnea will be lethargic but have diminished respirations. Insulin shock is hypoglycemia.
What do you think could have precipitated DKA
an absence or inadequate amount of insulin. The underlying reason is severe insulin deficiency. Usually only occurs with Type I DM. It can occur when there is too little insulin with increased caloric intake, physical or emotional stress, or infection
3 main features of DKA
Hyperglycemia, Dehydration and electrolyte loss, and Acidosis. Blood glucose may vary from 300-800, usually > 400.
Emergency Care:
What needs to be assessed
Kussmaul’s respiration's: Respiratory system compensates for metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis from acidic lowering of ketones.
Foul (fruity) breath, altered LOC, flushed skin, dry mucous membranes, hypotension, tachycardia
S/S dehydration, hypovolemic shock, fluid and e-lyte loss (Na, Phos, K, Cl, Bicarb)
Goals of treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis are
rehydration, restoration of electrolyte balance, and eduction of blood glucose levels.
Biggest complication is shock.
CALLS FOR NURSING DKA
Risk for injury: r/t e-lyte imbalances especially hypokalemia. Explain how potassium drops when acidosis corrected.
Altered tissue perfusion: r/t fluid and e-lyte balance
Risk for decreased cardiac output: r/t dehydration
Regular insulin order for DKA
followed by a drip it may be mixed this way: Insulin drip 100u Humulin R in 100 cc NS. Infuse at 6 u/hr for blood glucose > 250
IMMEDIATE ORDERS for DKA
Regular insulin IVP followed by
Insulin drip 100u Humulin R in 100 ml NS at 6 u/hr for blood glucose > 250
Hourly blood glucose
Repeat e-lytes 2 hr
1000 0.9% NS wide open (500-1000ml/hour)
additional orders for DKA
Fluid replacement: Fluids are administered intravenously, usually at a fast rate (200-500 ml/hr). Initially NS administered. May need Potassium or phosphate replacement.
Hourly I/O
Foley
Frequent assessments: Hourly I/O. Foley. Watch for fluid overload in the elderly. May need bicarb if pH <7.2. Judicious use of bicarb.
Assess: blood sugar hourly, VS, LOC, I/O. Also assess underlying condition that may have precipitated this.
When teaching the client how to manage her diabetes during episodes of minor illness, the nurse should include what measuresmeasures in the teaching plan?
Increase the frequency of blood or urine glucose testing
This is the most important sick day rule