ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF NURSING
West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City

Case Analysis
on
HYPERTHYROIDISM

In partial fulfillment
for the requirements in
RLE 118/119

Submitted by:
Pagayon, Mayriel P.
Sagum, Frances Gayle

Submitted to:
Rennel L. Sobretodo, RN, MAN

October 17, 2023

 ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF NURSING
West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthyroidism is known as overactive thyroid. It occurs when your thyroid gland

makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly. It is
in the front of your neck, below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid makes hormones that control
your body’s metabolism. It affects your heart rate and the function of your other organs. It also
affects your muscles, bones, and menstrual cycles (for women).

The most common cause of this syndrome is Graves’ disease, followed by toxic
multinodular goitre, and solitary hyperfunctioning nodules. Autoimmune postpartum and
subacute thyroiditis, tumors that secrete thyrotropin, and drug-induced thyroid dysfunction, are
also important causes.

Thyrotoxicosis is the term applied when there is excess thyroid hormone in the
circulation due to any cause. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is generally straightforward, with
raised serum thyroid hormones and suppressed serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in
almost all cases. Thyrotoxicosis can be easily diagnosed by a high serum level of thyroxine (T4)
and triiodothyronine (T3) and a low serum level of TSH. Hyperthyroidism is confirmed by a
high isotope (I 131 or Tc99) uptake by the thyroid gland, while in thyroiditis it will be low.
Appropriate treatment of hyperthyroidism relies on identification of the underlying cause.
Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery are the traditional treatments for the 3
common forms of hyperthyroidism. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are used in most patients
for symptomatic relief and might be the only treatment needed for thyroiditis, which is transient.
This review outlines approaches to diagnosis, assessment of disease severity, and treatment of
hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of overt hyperthyroidism include heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety,

fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, and, in women, irregular menses. Clinical findings may
include tremor, tachycardia, lid lag, and warm moist skin. Symptoms and signs of subclinical
hyperthyroidism, if present, are usually vague and nonspecific.

Medical & Surgical Management:

1. Medical Management:
 Antithyroid Medications: Methimazole and Propylthiouracil (PTU) are commonly
prescribed to reduce the production of thyroid hormones. These medications help manage
hyperthyroid symptoms and may be used as a long-term treatment or as a bridge to more
definitive measures.
 Beta-Blockers: Medications like propranolol can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms
such as rapid heart rate and tremors. While they don't address the underlying cause, they
provide symptomatic relief.

2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy:

 Iodine-131 (Radioactive Iodine): This treatment involves the ingestion of radioactive
iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland, leading to a reduction in its activity. It is a
common and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism, particularly in cases of Graves'
disease.

3. Surgical Management:
 Thyroidectomy: In some cases, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland may be
recommended. This approach is considered when other treatments are not suitable or if
there are specific reasons for surgical intervention.
 ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF NURSING
West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City

The choice between medical and surgical management depends on factors such as the
underlying cause of hyperthyroidism, the severity of symptoms, the patient's overall health, and
individual preferences. The healthcare provider will assess these factors and discuss the most
appropriate treatment plan with the patient.

It's crucial for individuals with hyperthyroidism to have regular follow-up appointments to
monitor thyroid function and adjust treatment as needed. Decisions regarding the management of
hyperthyroidism should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
 ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF NURSING
West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

HYPERTHYROIDISM

Being
Predisposing factors Precipitating Factors
female

Age Personal
Family Recent
history of
History pregnancy
Thyroid
Problems
Consuming significant amounts
of iodine through food or
medication

SYMPTOMS

Anxiety Muscle Weight Loss Palpitations

Heat
Weakness
Intolerance
Hyperthyroi Hyperthyroi Hyperthyro
dism can dism induces idism
The symptom The
send stress an increased causes
reflects an overproduction
hormones basal energy symptoms
increase in of thyroid
into expenditure similar to
the basal hormones
overdrive, that leads to catecholami
metabolism causes your
which weight loss ne excess,
of many metabolism and
prompts an as a result of including
substrates. overall body
increased a decrease in palpitations
The increase processing to
heart rate, the body's due to sinus
in metabolic speed up, the
tremors, and lean and fat tachycardia
activity body breaks
hyperactivit mass.
results in down muscle
y, all of
increased tissue quicker
which are
consumption than it can be
also
of adenosine replaced.
symptoms of
triphosphate
anxiety.
and oxygen.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the
windpipe (trachea). It produces hormones that affect things such as your heart
rate and body temperature. Having too much of these hormones can cause
unpleasant and potentially serious problems that may need treatment. An
overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in
women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age.