Endocrine Disorders
Whattechnique to administer potassium iodide solution?
Dilute the solution and administer it through a straw
Which behavior is linked to increased probability of developing Grave disease?
Smoking
Tremulousness, Exertional dyspnea, Scanty menstruation, and Increased thirst and urination are all key signs of what disorder?
hyperthyroidism
what complication can happen if a patient abruptly discontinuing his prescribed levothyroxine.
Respiratory distress
This surgery allows continued production and release of thyroid hormones from the remainder of the gland
a subtotal thyroidectomy
Typical Signs and symptom of Cushing's Syndrome include?
Buffalo hump
Explain exophthalmos...
Abnormal bulging or protrusion of one or both eyeballs out of the eye socket, frequently caused by Graves' disease
Which finding(s) would be consistent with hyperparathyroidism?
Anorexia
Decreased serum phosphate levels
Increased serum calcium levels
What is important for the nurse to teach a patient with Addison disease who has a prescription for corticosteroids?
Take the medication every day.
A patient who is 8-h postoperative after a total thyroidectomy complains of muscle cramps. The nurse assesses a positive Chvostek sign. What would this indicate?
Hypoparathyroidism
What can cause Cushing Syndrome?
Prolonged use of steroid therapy
A patient with Graves Disease is experiencing emotional outbursts and wide mood swings. What would yo educate them about medication?
Antithyroid drugs usually help regulate mood swings after a few weeks
What can triggers a hyperthyroid flare-up
High physical or emotional stress
Viral infections
Sudden changes or stopping of anti-thyroid medications
Pregnancy
High iodine intake from foods
What are some key patient teaching points about Levothyroxine?
1) Take your dose first thing in the morning with water on empty stomach. Wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking coffee or tea.
2) Consistent timing: Take it at the exact same time every day to keep hormone levels steady.
3) Spacing supplements: Wait at least four hours before taking calcium, iron, or antacids, as these block absorption.
4) Lifelong treatment: Most people need to take this medicine for life
Which instruction should be included in the preoperative care of a patient undergoing a thyroidectomy?
Preoperative medications will be given 2 weeks before surgery to reduce the vascularity of the gland
What is a key indicator of a Goiter?
Enlarged neck
How would you explain Graves disease to a patient?
An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to overstimulate the thyroid
How would you best describe hyperthyroidism to a patient?
When the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
A patient has new prescription for methimazole (Tapazole), what would you include inpatient teaching?
Take the medication on a strict schedule
Which interventions are indicated for the immediate postoperative care of a person after a thyroidectomy?
Supporting the head with sandbags
Assess the patient’s ability to swallow
Assess for bleeding
What are some notable manifestations of endocrine disorders?
Ongoing tiredness and weak muscles
Sudden weight gain or weight loss
Fast or slow heartbeat
High or low blood pressure
Feeling too cold or too hot
How would you diagnose Graves Disease?
Diagnosed via blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 hormone levels alongside thyroid-stimulating antibodies.
Which precaution is most important for the nurse to employ for a patient undergoing ablation therapy with radioactive iodine?
Take radioactive precautions with syringes and bedpans
The patient with Addison disease is receiving IV fluids for rehydration. The nurse should carefully monitor the patient for which potential problem?
Hypotension
The nurse planning the postoperative instructions for the patient who will undergo a hypophysectomy. What are some key patient teaching points? (4)
A drip pad will be placed under your nose
Avoid brushing your teeth
Breathe through your mouth
Avoid blowing your nose