Thyroid
The thyroid produces what 3 hormones
T3, T4, and Calcitonin
How does PTH affect bone, kidneys, and the gastrointestinal tract?
Bone: Stimulates osteoclasts to release calcium. (Osteoclasts break down bone to release the calcium into the bloodstream)
Kidneys: Increases calcium reabsorption, doesn't allow the calcium to be lost in the urine.
GI tract: Increases calcium absorption via vitamin D activation. The kidneys are the ones that produce the active vitamin D.
Which electrolyte is needed for calcium absorption in the GI tract?
Vitamin D
What hormone does the parathyroid hormone secrete?
PTH - parathyroid hormone
What causes a thyroid storm?
Extreme high thyroid levels
S/S of hyperthyroidism
High BP, high HR, high temp, high GI tract motility, high anxiety (heat intolerance)
What are 2 possible causes of hyperparathyroidism?
causes include parathyroid adenoma (primary) and chronic kidney disease (secondary).
What is Graves disease - and list 2 common physical signs?
Autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism - exophthalmos (bug eyes) and Goiter
Parathyroid is an important regulator of which electrolyte?
Calcium in the blood
What causes myxedema coma?
Extreme low levels of thyroid hormone
S/S of hypothyroidism
Low energy, low metabolism (weight gain), constipation, dry skin hair loss, cold intolerance, depression, forgetful
What are 2 possible causes of hypoparathyroidism?
causes include post-thyroidectomy damage and autoimmune destruction.
What is Hashimoto's disease?
Autoimmune - causes hypothyroidism
The hypothalamus releases what hormone which affects the anterior pituitary gland?
TRH - thyrotropin releasing hormone
Why is a thyroid storm dangerous?
High BP, high HR, high temp - first signs are agitation and confusion - if untreated leads to cardiac, respiratory and neurological dysfunction
How do you treat hyperthyroidism?
methimazole, thyroidectomy, RAIU (radio active iodine uptake - the intake of radioactive iodine into the thyroid kills the thyroid - this causes the patient to go into hypothyroidism)
Name common signs/symptoms of hypercalcemia related to hyperparathyroidism.
Broken bones, kidney stones, constipation
What do the labs for Hashimoto's disease look like?
High levels of TSH (remember this is produced by the pituitary gland) but low levels of T3, T4
The anterior pituitary release which hormone that affects the thyroid?
TSH - thyroid-simulating hormone
Why is myxedema coma dangerous?
Low RR, decreased ventilation, leads to respiratory failure - low HR, low BP, low temp
What medication is used to treat hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Name common signs/symptoms of hypocalcemia related to hypoparathyroidism.
Trousseau's sign, Chvosteks sign, diarrhea
What do the labs for Graves disease look like?
High T3 and T4 - low TSH
What does Calcitonin do?
Decreases the amount of calcium in the blood, it does this by moving the Ca+ back into the bones, telling the kidneys to pee out the Ca+ and tells the GI tract to not absorb it.
What are important post-thyroidectomy nursing considerations?
Monitor airway for swelling, check for signs of hypocalcemia (Trousseaus sign, Chvosteks sign, tingling around the mouth, muscle cramps, confusion) keep tracheostomy set nearby.