Thyroid Gland
What is hypothyroidism?
Lack of thyroid hormone being produced by the thyroid.
True or False. An underactive gland is more common in older or younger adults?
Older Adults
True or False. The skin and underlying tissue swell with myxedema.
True.
Name three risk factors for hypothyroidism
Where is the location of the thyroid gland?
In the front of the neck, in front of the windpipe, etc.
Name at least three common causes of hypothyroidism.
Autoimmune, over-response to hyperthyroidism treatment, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, medications
Where does swelling of the skin and underlying tissues normally occur?
Give at least three answers :)
Hands, feet, tongue, larynx, and pharynx
Name four symptoms of hypothyroidism (not physical signs).
weakness and fatigue, forgetfulness, cold sensitivity, skin changes, fluid retention, constipation, difficulty sleeping, ataxia
What are the two hormones that the thyroid gland produces?
Thyroxine (T4)
Triiodothyronine (T3)
Name at least four PHYSICAL signs of hypothyroidism.
weight gain, slowed speech and movements, dry skin, jaundice, pallor, coarse/brittle hair, loss of hair, dull facial expression
What are three things that myxedema crisis is precipitated by?
Infection, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, trauma, drug therapy
What is a less common cause of hypothyroidism?
What does the thyroid regulate?
Metabolic rate, digestive function, muscle control, brain development, heart, mood, bone maintenance
Name the most common symptom of hypothyroidism.
Weakness and Fatigue
What are five complications of long term Myxedema?
hypothermia, swelling/fluid accumulation, decreased drug metabolism leading to overdose of medications, pregnancy issues (miscarriage, preeclampsia, stillbirth, birth defects), heart failure, kidney problems, depression, coma, death
True or False, 1/2 of the risk factors we talked about are modifiable.
False.
Gender, age, family history, autoimmune disease are the top risk factors and cannot be modified.