Intervention
Describe the action of levothyroxine
Increased fat, protein, carbohydrate metabolism
What is a euythroid state and how can the nurse evaluate it?
It is normal thyroid gland function, indicated by normal TSH levels
Which of the following assessments are the most important for a patient suspected of hypothyroidism?
A) Assess changes in bowel habits
B) Assess changes in hair and nails
C) Assess changes in breathing patterns
D) Assess mental/personality changes
E) Assess changes in sensation
A) Assess changes in bowel habits
B) Assess changes in hair and nails
D) Assess mental/personality changes
What acute interventions are needed if a patient is experiencing symptoms of myxedema coma?
Respiratory support, cardiac monitoring, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, monitor temperature
What is the myxedema crisis and why is it relevant with evaluation?
Accumulation of hydrophilic sugar crystals in the tissue/dermis; they attract water and can cause swelling
Relevant to evaluation because nurses should be able to recognize that their patients understand the symptoms that appear with this complication and what they should do in response
A patient with a health history of hypothyroidism comes to the clinic stating that they feel dizzy and constantly cold. What are the nurse's priority actions related to the nursing process? (explain rationale)
A) Take the patient's vital signs
B) Contact the doctor
C) Ask if the patient has recently been travelling
D) Ask the patient if she has had the flu shot
E) Perform a cardiac assessment
A) Take the patient's vital signs
C) Ask if the patient has recently been travelling
D) Ask the patient if she has had the flu shot
E) Perform a cardiac assessment
The diet of a patient with hypothyroidism should include _________- rich foods, such as _________
A) Potassium; bananas, oranges, cooked spinach, potatoes
B) Magnesium; green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes
C) Iodine; dairy products, grain products, eggs, seafood, seaweed
D) Vitamin C; lemons, strawberries, squash, cabbage, bell peppers
C) Iodine; dairy products, grain products, eggs, seafood, seaweed
What are the symptoms of myxedema?
Decreased breathing, low blood sodium levels, hypothermia, confusion, shock, low blood oxygen levels, high carbon dioxide levels, coma, seizures
Which diagnostic lab values are used when monitoring a patient with hypothyroidism? (explain rationale)
A) TSH
B) PTT
C) ABGs
D) CBC
E) Antibodies
A) TSH
D) CBC
E) Antibodies
What other medications are used in the treatment of thyroid disorders? Describe their main action.
Iodine - decreases the size of thyroid gland and reduces blood flow to thyroid gland
PTU - blocks synthesis of thyroid hormone
What are symptoms of a thyroid drug overdose?
Orthopnea, dyspnea, rapid pulse, palpations, nervousness, and insomnia
Eugina wants to know what important measures to take with regards to her hypothyroidism. How would you respond? (explain rationale)
A) Take the yearly flu shot
B) Speak to a friend or family member about the condition
C) Continue treating her depression with her anti-depressants in order to prevent her from becoming discouraged with the condition
D) Contact the doctor immediately when she feels an ache down her back
E) Add tuna, yogurt, and macaroni to her diet
A) Take the yearly flu shot
B) Speak to a friend or family member about the condition
E) Add tuna, yogurt, and macaroni to her diet
What information should a nurse include when educating patients on radioactive iodine therapy?
Drink lots of fluids; RAI can lead to long term hypothyroidism
In what situations should you contact the HCP?
Extreme fatigue, puffy hands/face/feet, irregular heartbeat, or confusion
Which of the following should be included in patient education newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism? SATA and Explain rationale
a. Report any fatigue, increased constipation, weight gain
b. Monitor RR
c. Report any chest pain, weight loss, nervousness, tremors, insomnia
d. Keep up with vaccinations
A) Report any fatigue, increased constipation, weight gain
C) Report any chest pain, weight loss, nervousness, tremors, insomnia
D) Keep up with vaccinations