The Thyroid Gland

http://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/
the-thyroid-gland/
Explain why maternal iodine deficiency might lead to neurological
impairment in the fetus.
Iodine deficiency in a pregnant woman would also deprive the fetus. Iodine
is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which contribute to fetal
growth and development, including maturation of the nervous system.
Insufficient amounts would impair these functions.
Define hyperthyroidism and explain why one of its symptoms is weight
loss.
Hyperthyroidism is an abnormally elevated blood level of thyroid hormones
due to an overproduction of T3 and T4. An individual with hyperthyroidism
is likely to lose weight because one of the primary roles of thyroid
hormones is to increase the body’s basal metabolic rate, increasing the
breakdown of nutrients and the production of ATP.

Glossary
calcitonin
peptide hormone produced and secreted by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the
thyroid gland that functions to decrease blood calcium levels
colloid
viscous fluid in the central cavity of thyroid follicles, containing the glycoprotein
thyroglobulin
goiter
enlargement of the thyroid gland either as a result of iodine deficiency or
hyperthyroidism
hyperthyroidism
clinically abnormal, elevated level of thyroid hormone in the blood; characterized
by an increased metabolic rate, excess body heat, sweating, diarrhea, weight loss,
and increased heart rate
hypothyroidism
clinically abnormal, low level of thyroid hormone in the blood; characterized by
low metabolic rate, weight gain, cold extremities, constipation, and reduced
mental activity
neonatal hypothyroidism
condition characterized by cognitive deficits, short stature, and other signs and
symptoms in people born to women who were iodine-deficient during pregnancy
thyroid gland
large endocrine gland responsible for the synthesis of thyroid hormones
thyroxine
(also, tetraiodothyronine, T4) amino acid–derived thyroid hormone that is more
abundant but less potent than T3 and often converted to T3 by target cells
triiodothyronine
(also, T3) amino acid–derived thyroid hormone that is less abundant but more
potent than T4

Hyperthyroidism (INCREASE MERABOLIC RATE because of hyperexcretion of T3 – high, fast, and wet) (increase
heat production because of T4 and (hypocalcemia in client with hyperthyroidism)

2One of the medications to be prescribed in client with hyperthyroidism is propylthiouracil (PTU). Which
of the following nursing consideration should be included in clients taking PTU?

a. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism

b. Signs of renal toxicity

c. Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia – eliminate, since hyperthyroidism

d. Relief of pain - eliminate

Rationale: PTU hyperglycemia and renal toxicity is not included in symptoms. Another medication is
TAPAZOL generic name is Methimazole-inhibit esynthesis of thyroid hormone. PTU side effects decrease
WBC that cause increase risk for infection, agronolytopinia. If symptoms occur Hypoth-report
manifestation so that the physician will decrease the dosage or order o, reduce.
Which of the following is associated with hyperthyroidism?

a. Graves’ disease – common cause

b. Pituitary tumor – causes excess TSH

c. All of the choices are correct.

d. Multinodular goiter – thyroid nodules secretes excess TSH

Rationale: Hyperthyroidism is the common cause of Graves disease. Other term Toxic diffuse Goiter.
Common in Female. Women in below 40 years old.

a. Graves’ disease is associated with hyperthyroidism. The Graves' disease antibody, thyrotropin
receptor antibody (TRAb), functions similarly to the regulating pituitary hormone. This suggests that
TRAb interferes with the thyroid's natural regulation, resulting in excessive thyroid hormone
production (hyperthyroidism).

.Nurse Mary was checking her patient’s laboratory results. She noticed that her patient’s T3 is 50 ng/dl,
T4 3.0 µg/dL, and TSH of 7.0 mIU/L. Base on the result, her patient is suffering from what kind of
condition?

a. Thyrotoxicosis – no because excessive thyroid activity

b. Hypothyroidism

c. Hyperthyroidism

d. Graves' disease
Rationale:

Normal values:

-T3 normal value – 80 to 200 ng/dl

-T4 – 5.0 – 12ug/dl

TSH – 0.5 – 5 mIU/L

b. Hypothyroidism is the correct answer. Base of the result the patient is suffering from hypothyroidism
which means results from suboptimal levels of thyroid hormone. The patients T3 is low, normal range is
80-220 ng-d. Patient’s T4 were also low. Low T4 is seen with hypothyroidism, whereas high T4 levels
may indicate hyperthyroidism. Normal range for an ad