Thyroid gland secretions (T

3
and T
4
) are metabolic hormones
Thyroid hormones cause increased metabolism: CNS stimulation, increased vital signs, and increased GI
motility (diarrhea)


HYPOTHYROI DI SM HYPERTHYROI DI SM
A Al l l l b bo od dy y s s y y s s t t e em ms s a ar r e e D DE EC CR RE EA AS S E ED D
e ex x c c e ep pt t W WE EI I G GH HT T a an nd d M ME E N NS S T TR RU UA AT TI I O ON N! !
A Al l l l b bo od dy y s s y y s s t t e em ms s a ar r e e I I N NC CR RE EA AS S E ED D
e ex x c c e ep pt t W WE EI I G GH HT T a an nd d M ME E N NS S T TR RU UA AT TI I O ON N! !
decreased CNS: drowsiness, memory problems
(forgetfulness)
increased CNS: tremors, insomnia
decreased v/s: hypotension, bradycardia, bradypnea,
low body temp
increased v/s: hypertension, tachycardia, tachypnea,
fever
decreased GI motility: constipation increased GI motility: diarrhea
decreased appetite (anorexia) but with WEIGHT
GAIN
[low metabolism causes decreased burning of fats and
carbs]
This leads to increased serum cholesterol
atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries due to cholesterol
deposits)
Because of increased cholesterol, hypothyroid patients
are prone to hypertension, myocardial infarction, CHF
and stroke
increased appetite (hyperphagia) but with WEIGHT
LOSS [high metabolism causes increased burning of fats
and carbs]
decreased metabolism causes decreased
perspiration
DRY SKIN and COLD INTOLERANCE
increased metabolism causes increased perspiration

MOIST SKIN and HEAT INTOLERANCE
Menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during
menstruation)
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
Pathognomic sign: EXOPHTHALMOS (bulging eyeballs)
Nursing Management for hypothyroidism:
Low calorie diet
Warm environment
Nursing Management for hyperthyroidism:
High calorie diet
Cool environment