Thyroid Shit

Cards (42)

  • Hypothalamus
    Gland that links to the nervous system, so it receives signal from the brain. Can release hormones that enhance or inhibit other hormones.
  • Pituitary
    "Master gland" due to its involvement in almost all hormone regulation. Connects to the hypothalamus which they transfer hormones via the bloodstream. Anterior pituitary controls thyroid and cortisol hormones.
  • Adrenal gland

    Located on the top of each kidney. Releases hormones like glucocorticoids, epinephrine, and mineral corticoids.
  • Endocrine nursing assessment = If there are lots of nonspecific changes, it should raise flags for a possible endocrine disorder. Health history is very important.
  • Thyroid gland
    Regulates metabolic rate, growth, oxygen consumption, and brain function. Produces thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), Calcitonin. Needs iodine to perform the synthesis of the hormones. TRH from hypothalamus -> TSH from anterior pituitary -> Thyroid hormones from gland. The increase of thyroid production turns TRH excretion from the hypothalamus.
  • Effects of thyroid gland
    • Heart: HR and contractility, increases inotropy.
    • Nerves: increases SNS and brain androgen receptors.
    • Metabolism: regulated protein, carbs, and fat.
    • Bones: increases bone formation.
  • Pemberton sign

    Face turning red as a result of raising hands. Palpate thyroid for inflammation.
  • Hyperthyroidism effects
    • Fast HR and increased temp.
    • Increased metabolism and sensitivity.
    • Weak, nervous, weight loss, insomnia.
    • Exophthalmos = inflammation of eye, resulting in impaired drainage and increasing fat in orbital tissue. Increases eye pressure and dries corneal surfaces.
  • Ways to contract hyperthyroidism
    • Primary: problem with thyroid itself resulting in high T4 and low TSH.
    • Secondary: brain cancers cause hyperactivity secreting High amounts of T4 and TSH.
    • Pregnancy or Hashimoto's can cause hyperthyroidism.
  • Methimazole for hyperthyroidism
    Inhibits synthesis of thyroid hormone, blocking conversion of T4 to T3. First line of defense, not used in pregnancy.
  • Beta blockers for hyperthyroidism
    Relief of symptoms due to high Beta stimulation from thyroid.
  • Iodine for hyperthyroidism
    Short term and used in crisis. Inhibits T4/T3 synthesis.
  • Radioactive iodide for hyperthyroidism
    Destroys thyroid tissue. Cannot have if pregnant.
  • Surgical for hyperthyroidism
    Removal of a significant part of the thyroid.
  • Diet for hyperthyroidism
    High calorie diet for hunger and tissue breakdown. Avoid caffeine and high fiber.
  • Hashimoto's disease

    Most common form of hypothyroidism. Genetic, common In women and results from antibodies attacking the thyroid. Usually insidious for months or years.
  • Hypothyroidism causes

    • Vital changes, fatigue, constipation, slow reflex, hair loss, cold intolerance.
  • Goiter
    An enlarged thyroid gland due to stimulation of thyroid cells. Clue toward thyroid abnormality but not specific disorder.
  • Myxedema
    Happens with longstanding hypothyroidism. Thickened, non-pitting, edematous tissue. Causes puffiness, periorbital edema and mask like effect.
  • Myxedema coma
    Advancement in sluggishness, drowsiness, which progresses to impaired LOC. Iv T4 given, fluids with salts to pull fluids.
  • Causes of hypothyroidism
    • Primary: autoimmune antibodies (Hashimoto's). look for thyroglobulin antibodies, ask if they have ingested iodine.
    • Secondary: TRH drops all hormones to thyroid. If there is an issue in the pituitary, everything will drop.
  • May also have high cholesterol, triglycerides, anemia, and increased creatine
  • Adrenal Medulla
    Secretes epinephrine
  • Adrenal Cortex

    Secretes corticosteroids like glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens.
  • Hypothalamus Corticotropin hormone
    1. -> Anterior pituitary ACTH
    2. -> adrenal produce corticosteroids
  • Glucocorticoids (cortisol)

    Maintains blood glucose and has an anti-inflammatory action by suppressing the immune system.
  • Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)

    Maintains electrolyte and fluid balance.
  • Androgens
    Stimulate pubic hair and sex drive in females.
  • Cushing's syndrome manifestations

    • Fat deposits, weight gain, buffalo hump (neck), purple striae, moon face.
  • Cushing's syndrome Causes

    Due to long term steroid use, malignancy, steroids due to asthma or cancer.
  • High cortisol
    Causes fight or flight which increases HR, SVR, Vasoconstriction, and BP (Cushing's syndrome).
  • Secondary hypertension
    • High risk of infections due to reduced T cells. Breakdown of tissues and depletion of muscles
  • Nursing assessment for cushing's disease = Monitor for: vitals, daily weight, blood sugar, WBC's signs of infections and pneumonia. Look in mouth for thrush and provide emotional support
  • Addison's disease

    Body does not produce hormones from adrenal cortex, leaving it with electrolyte imbalances, as well as diminished stress response.
  • Addison's disease Causes
    • Due to autoimmune condition where body attacks adrenal cortex. Primary is adrenal insufficiency, secondary is brain issues.
  • Addison's manifestations

    • Weakness, fatigue, weight loss, anorexia.
    • Hypotension, diarrhea, irritability, depression.
    • Low aldosterone leads to high K (Acidosis), low RR.
  • Diagnosis of addison's
    • Lab results: hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, anemia, low urine, low cortisol, and aldosterone. Low BP for vitals.
    • EKG for arrhythmias due to high K.
    • CT and MRI.
    • ACTH stimulation: where would problem be located if high or low cortisol.
  • Treatments for Addison's disease
    • Hydrocortisone which increases if more stress is present.
    • Increase salt in diet.
    • Prevent hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia.
    • Give prednisone.
    • Frequent assessments of labs with a focus on K.
  • Thyroxine, cortisol, and triiodothyronine affect all body tissues.
  • Levothyroxine used to treat: primary hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, simple goitre.

    Highly protein bound.