Signs and Symptoms
Question: Which thyroid disorder causes weight loss, heat intolerance, and a fast heart rate?
Answer: Hyperthyroidism.
Question: In primary hyperthyroidism, is TSH usually high or low?
Answer: Low.
Question: What medication is commonly prescribed to replace missing thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism?
Answer: Levothyroxine (Synthroid).
Question: What is the life-threatening emergency associated with severe hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Thyroid storm.
Question: Which vital sign is especially important to monitor in patients with hyperthyroidism because of the risk of tachycardia?
Answer: Heart rate.
Question: A patient experiences fatigue, constipation, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Which thyroid disorder is most likely?
Answer: Hypothyroidism.
Question: In primary hypothyroidism, is TSH usually high or low?
Answer: High.
Question: What medication is commonly used to control tachycardia and tremors in hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Propranolol, a beta blocker.
Question: What is the life-threatening emergency associated with severe hypothyroidism?
Answer: Myxedema coma.
Question: Should a patient with hyperthyroidism be placed in a warm, stimulating environment or a cool, quiet environment?
Answer: A cool, quiet environment to reduce stimulation and promote comfort.
Question: Which thyroid condition is commonly associated with bulging eyes (exophthalmos)?
Answer: Graves disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism.
Question: Which two thyroid hormones are commonly elevated in overt hyperthyroidism?
Answer: T3 and T4.
Question: A patient taking methimazole develops a fever and sore throat. What serious adverse effect should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Agranulocytosis, a dangerous reduction in white blood cells.
Question: A patient with hyperthyroidism develops a temperature of 104°F, a heart rate of 150 bpm, and severe agitation. What complication should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Thyroid storm.
Question: A patient with hypothyroidism experiences frequent constipation. What nursing interventions can help?
Answer: Encourage appropriate hydration, fiber intake, and activity as tolerated.
Question: A patient has hypothyroidism. Would the nurse expect tachycardia or bradycardia?
Answer: Bradycardia.
Question: Why does TSH increase in primary hypothyroidism?
Answer: The pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate the underactive thyroid to produce more hormones.
Question: When should a patient take levothyroxine for best absorption?
Answer: In the morning on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast, with water.
Question: A patient with severe hypothyroidism develops hypothermia, bradycardia, respiratory depression, and decreased consciousness. What complication is occurring?
Answer: Myxedema coma.
Question: A hospitalized patient with hyperthyroidism suddenly develops severe tachycardia, fever, and confusion. What should the nurse do first?
Answer: Assess airway, breathing, and circulation while activating rapid response for suspected thyroid storm.
Question: A patient reports increased appetite, unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, tremors, and difficulty sleeping. What is causing these symptoms?
Answer: Increased metabolism caused by excessive thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
Question: A patient has a TSH of 0.02 mIU/L and an elevated free T4. Which disorder is most likely?
(0.4 to 4.5 mIU/L)
Answer: Primary hyperthyroidism.
Question: A patient taking levothyroxine develops palpitations, sweating, and insomnia. What should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Excessive thyroid hormone replacement, causing hyperthyroid-like symptoms.
Question: A patient develops difficulty breathing and stridor shortly after a thyroidectomy. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer: Immediately address the airway and activate emergency assistance because stridor indicates possible airway obstruction.
Question: A patient with severe hypothyroidism becomes unresponsive, has a heart rate of 40 bpm, and is breathing only six times per minute. What should the nurse prioritize?
Answer: Immediately support airway and breathing and activate emergency response because the patient may be experiencing myxedema coma.