Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Module 7
Main Causes:
Primary (direct and 95% of cases) Destruction of thyroid tissue
Radioactive Iodine Hashimotos Surgical removal/radiation Untreated Graves disease (which eventually destroys gland)
The Iodine we ingest from salt intake is the precursor for thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
Low TH in body
What is the link between the pituitary gland, hypothalmus and thyroid gland?
Hashimotos disease
Destruction of the glandular tissue by circulating antibodies Autoimmune disease Familial More common in women Diagnosis:
Presence of circulating thyroid antibodies Thyroid hormone levels Radioactive iodine uptake Symptoms Presence of Goiter
Dr. Hashimoto
Untreated hypothyroidism causes Myxedema (mucous swelling) Decreased metabolism causes Build up of metabolites (proteins/sugars: glycosaminoglycans) Metabolites accumulate in the tissues which in turn increases mucous and water in the tissue Cellular/tissue edema which is mucinous: myxedema
Myxedema
See also Fig 48-6 on pp. 1319 Dull, puffy skin with mask-like expression, prominent tongue and edema around the eyes, thin/sparse hair
Surgery to remove goiter if it is large and doesnt decrease with hormone therapy
Patient Teaching
Review Table 48-10 pp. 1322 in your text and the Nursing Care Plan on pp. 1321 Are there any other interventions or teaching items would you add as the nurse caring for a patient with hypothyroidism?