Hypothyroidism By Rnpedia

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1. A 58 year old woman has newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The nurse is aware that the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Explanation

Typical signs of hypothyroidism includes weight gain, fatigue, decreased energy, apathy, brittle nails, dry skin, cold intolerance, constipation and numbness.

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About This Quiz
Hypothyroidism By Rnpedia - Quiz

The 'Hypothyroidism by RNpedia' quiz assesses knowledge on managing hypothyroidism, recognizing symptoms, and understanding treatment effects. It's essential for nursing professionals to accurately respond to hypothyroid conditions, enhancing... see morepatient care and medical outcomes. see less

2.  A client is admitted with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. An initial assessment of the client would reveal:

Explanation

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, slow speech, and decreased respirations.

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3. Michael comes into the ED.  His HR is 150 and has a fever of 104.5.  He is confused and anxious. What could be Michael's problem?

Explanation

Michael's symptoms of a high heart rate, fever, confusion, and anxiety are consistent with a thyroid storm. A thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an excessive release of thyroid hormones in the body. This can be caused by conditions such as untreated hyperthyroidism or an infection in the thyroid gland. The symptoms of a thyroid storm include a rapid heart rate, high fever, altered mental status, and extreme agitation. Prompt medical attention is necessary to treat a thyroid storm and stabilize the patient's condition.

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4. Despite the availability of a wide array of thyroid hormone products, it is clear that ___________ is the treatment of choice for almost all patients with hypothyroidism.

Explanation

Synthetic levothyroxine (LT4) is the treatment of choice for almost all patients with hypothyroidism because it is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. LT4 is a stable and consistent medication that can be easily standardized, ensuring accurate dosing. It is also well-absorbed by the body and has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing. Additionally, LT4 has fewer side effects compared to other thyroid hormone products, making it a safer and more effective option for most patients.

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5. A radioactive iodide uptake test helps determine intrinsic thyroid function.  A thyroid scan can help distinguish etiology (such as cancer).  A TRH stimulation test helps determine thyroid and ________ function.

Explanation

A TRH stimulation test helps determine thyroid and pituitary function. The pituitary gland produces and releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. By measuring the levels of TSH before and after administering TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), this test can assess the functioning of both the thyroid and pituitary glands.

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6. What does tyrosine combine with to make T3 and T4?

Explanation

Tyrosine combines with serum iodine to make T3 and T4. T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are hormones produced by the thyroid gland that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and growth in the body. Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as the building block for these thyroid hormones. The iodine in serum is necessary for the synthesis of T3 and T4, as iodine atoms are incorporated into the tyrosine molecules to form these hormones. Therefore, the correct answer is serum iodine.

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7. An incoherent female client with a history of hypothyroidism is brought to the emergency department by the rescue squad. Physical and laboratory findings reveal hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area. Knowing that these findings suggest severe hypothyroidism, nurse Libby prepares to take emergency action to prevent the potential complication of:

Explanation

Severe hypothyroidism may result in myxedema coma, in which a drastic drop in the metabolic rate causes decreased vital signs, hypoventilation (possibly leading to respiratory acidosis), and nonpitting edema. Thyroid storm is an acute complication of hyperthyroidism. Cretinism is a form of hypothyroidism that occurs in infants. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland in which autoimmune factors play a prominent role.

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8. After undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a female client develops hypothyroidism. Dr. Smith prescribes levothyroxine (Levothroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. For which condition is levothyroxine the preferred agent?

Explanation

Levothyroxine is the preferred agent to treat primary hypothyroidism and cretinism, although it also may be used to treat secondary hypothyroidism. It is contraindicated in Graves’ disease and thyrotoxicosis because these conditions are forms of hyperthyroidism. Euthyroidism, a term used to describe normal thyroid function, wouldn’t require any thyroid preparation.

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9.   The physician has discussed the need for medication with the parents of an infant with congenital hypothyroidism. The nurse can reinforce the physician's teaching by telling the parents that:    

Explanation

The medication will be needed throughout the child’s lifetime. Answers A, C, and D contain inaccurate statements; therefore, they are incorrect.

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10. A nurse gets back results on a pt who may have hypothyroidism.  What lab values might the nurse expect?

Explanation

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. Therefore, in hypothyroidism, the nurse would expect to see increased TSH levels and decreased T3 and T4 levels.

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11. A nurse gets back results on a pt who may have hyperthyroidism.  What lab values might the nurse expect?

Explanation

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an excess amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). As a result, the levels of T3 and T4 in the blood are increased. However, the high levels of thyroid hormones suppress the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland, leading to decreased TSH levels. Therefore, in a patient with hyperthyroidism, the nurse would expect to see decreased TSH levels and increased levels of both T3 and T4.

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12. Which of the following potentially serious complications could occur with therapy for hypothyroidism? 

Explanation

Precipitation of angina or cardiac arrhythmia is a potentially serious complication of hypothyroidism treatment. Acute hemolytic reaction is a complication of blood transfusions. Retinopathy typically is a complication of diabetes mellitus. Thrombocytopenia doesn’t result from treating hypothyroidism.

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13. A client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and will take levothyroxine (Synthroid) 50 mcg/day by mouth. As part of the teaching plan, the nurse emphasizes that this medication:  

Explanation

Should be taken in the morning Thyroid supplement should be taken in the morning to minimize the side effects of insomnia

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14. Mrs. Gilmour is complaining of being hot all the time, sweating, being thirsty, and losing hair.  What could her symptoms indicate?

Explanation

Mrs. Gilmour's symptoms of feeling hot all the time, sweating, being thirsty, and losing hair are indicative of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, leading to an overactive metabolism. This can cause symptoms such as increased body temperature, excessive sweating, increased thirst, and hair loss. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland and would not explain Mrs. Gilmour's symptoms. Graves disease is a specific form of hyperthyroidism, so it is a possible explanation for her symptoms.

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15. Some causes of hypothyroidism include iatrogenic causes, drugs (such as amiodarone and lithium), and this (also known as autoimmune thyroiditis)....

Explanation

Hashimoto's disease, also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, is a common cause of hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage. This results in decreased production of thyroid hormones, causing hypothyroidism. Unlike Grave's disease, which causes hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's disease specifically leads to an underactive thyroid. Other causes mentioned in the question, such as iatrogenic causes and certain drugs, can also contribute to hypothyroidism, but Hashimoto's disease is specifically mentioned as an autoimmune cause.

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16.  A client with hypothyroidism frequently complains of feeling cold. The nurse should tell the client that she will be more comfortable if she:  

Explanation

Dressing in layers and using extra covering will help decrease the feeling of being cold that is experienced by the client with hypothyroidism. Decreased sensation and decreased alertness are common in the client with hypothyroidism; therefore, the use of electric blankets and heating pads can result in burns,

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17. A female client with hypothyroidism (myxedema) is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. Which finding should nurse Hans recognize as an adverse drug effect?

 

Explanation

Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is given to a client with hypothyroidism to simulate the effects of thyroxine. Adverse effects of this agent include tachycardia. The other options aren’t associated with levothyroxine.

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18. Iodine's main function in therapy is to:

Explanation

Iodine's main function in therapy is to rapidly inhibit the synthesis/release of T3 & T4. Iodine is an essential component for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. By inhibiting their synthesis or release, iodine can help to regulate the levels of these hormones in the body. This can be beneficial in conditions such as hyperthyroidism, where there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. By inhibiting their synthesis or release, iodine can help to reduce the levels of T3 and T4, thereby normalizing thyroid function.

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19. On discharge, the nurse teaches the patient to observe for signs of surgically induced hypothyroidism. The nurse would know that the patient understands the teaching when she states she should notify the MD if she develops: 

Explanation

Hypothyroidism, a decrease in thyroid hormone production, is characterized by hypometabolism that manifests itself with weight gain

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20. Nurse Oliver should expect a client with hypothyroidism to report which health concerns?

Explanation

Hypothyroidism (myxedema) causes facial puffiness, extremity edema, and weight gain. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) include an increased appetite, weight loss, nervousness, tremors, and thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).

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21. A 3-month-old client is in the pediatric unit. During assessment, the nurse is suspecting that the baby may have hypothyroidism when mother states that her baby does not: 

Explanation

Development normally proceeds cephalocaudally; so the first major developmental milestone that the infant achieves is the ability to hold the head up within the first 8-12 weeks of life. In hypothyroidism, the infant’s muscle tone would be poor and the infant would not be able to achieve this milestone.

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22. Thyrotoxicosis is understood when the nurse states:

Explanation

Thyrotoxicosis refers to a condition in which there is an excessive production of thyroid hormones, specifically T3 and T4. These hormones play a role in regulating metabolism. An increase in T3 and T4 levels leads to hypermetabolism, which means that the body's metabolic rate is elevated. This can result in symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate, and heat intolerance. Therefore, the correct answer is "Hypermetabolism from increase in T3 and T4."

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23. A 32-year-old mother of three is brought to the clinic. Her pulse is 52, there is a weight gain of 30 pounds in 4 months, and the client is wearing two sweaters. The client is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which of the following nursing diagnoses is of highest priority? 

Explanation

The decrease in pulse can affect the cardiac output and lead to shock, which would take precedence over the other choices

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24. T3 and T4 are similar, but different produced in equal amounts?

Explanation

T3 and T4 are similar, but they are produced in different amounts.

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25. High TSH but low FT4 suggests...


Hint:  TSH and FT4 levels going in opposite directions is usually what we expect to see, generally indicating a problem on the level of the thyroid.

Explanation

High TSH but low FT4 suggests primary hypothyroidism. In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, leading to an increase in TSH production from the pituitary gland as it tries to stimulate the thyroid. However, due to the thyroid gland's dysfunction, there is a low production of FT4, resulting in low levels of thyroid hormones in the body. This imbalance between TSH and FT4 levels indicates a problem at the level of the thyroid gland itself.

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26. A client with hypothyroidism asks the nurse if she will still need to take thyroid medication during the pregnancy. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that: 

Explanation

During pregnancy, the thyroid gland triples in size. This makes it more difficult to regulate thyroid medication.

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27. A newborn has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In discussing the condition and treatment with the family, the nurse should emphasize 

Explanation

Early identification and continued treatment with hormone replacement corrects this condition.

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28. T3 and T4 are produced in which type of cell?

Explanation

T3 and T4 are hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is composed of follicular cells, which are responsible for the production and secretion of these hormones. Therefore, the correct answer is "Follicle."

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29. Radioactive Iodine's main function in therapy is to:

Explanation

Radioactive Iodine is used in therapy to damage or destroy thyroid tissue. This is because the radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The radiation emitted by the radioactive iodine damages the thyroid tissue, reducing its function and potentially destroying it. This can be beneficial in treating conditions such as hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, where the goal is to reduce the activity or remove the thyroid gland altogether.

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30. A pt is given radioactive iodine for a thyroid scan.  How often are the tests taken?

Explanation

The correct answer is 2-6-24 hours. After ingesting the radioactive iodine, the patient undergoes a series of tests at different time intervals. The first test is taken 2 hours after ingestion, followed by another test at 6 hours, and finally a third test at 24 hours. These time intervals allow for the radioactive iodine to be absorbed by the thyroid and for the imaging scans to accurately detect any abnormalities or changes in the thyroid gland.

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31. A nurse understands calcitonin and parathormone when the nurse states:

Explanation

The correct answer is "They work together for blood clotting" and "They work together on bone growth." This is because both calcitonin and parathormone play a role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Calcitonin helps to lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting the breakdown of bone and increasing calcium excretion in the kidneys. Parathormone, on the other hand, helps to raise blood calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bone and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Both hormones are important for maintaining calcium balance in the body, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone growth.

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A 58 year old woman has newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The nurse...
 A client is admitted with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. An...
Michael comes into the ED.  His HR is 150 and has a fever of...
Despite the availability of a wide array of thyroid hormone products,...
A radioactive iodide uptake test helps determine intrinsic thyroid...
What does tyrosine combine with to make T3 and T4?
An incoherent female client with a history of hypothyroidism is...
After undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a female client develops...
  The physician has discussed the need for medication with the...
A nurse gets back results on a pt who may have hypothyroidism. ...
A nurse gets back results on a pt who may have hyperthyroidism. ...
Which of the following potentially serious complications could occur...
A client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and will take...
Mrs. Gilmour is complaining of being hot all the time, sweating, being...
Some causes of hypothyroidism include iatrogenic causes, drugs (such...
 A client with hypothyroidism frequently complains of feeling...
A female client with hypothyroidism (myxedema) is receiving...
Iodine's main function in therapy is to:
On discharge, the nurse teaches the patient to observe for signs of...
Nurse Oliver should expect a client with hypothyroidism to report...
A 3-month-old client is in the pediatric unit. During assessment, the...
Thyrotoxicosis is understood when the nurse states:
A 32-year-old mother of three is brought to the clinic. Her pulse is...
T3 and T4 are similar, but different produced in equal amounts?
High TSH but low FT4 suggests...Hint:  TSH and FT4 levels going...
A client with hypothyroidism asks the nurse if she will still need to...
A newborn has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In discussing the...
T3 and T4 are produced in which type of cell?
Radioactive Iodine's main function in therapy is to:
A pt is given radioactive iodine for a thyroid scan.  How often...
A nurse understands calcitonin and parathormone when the nurse states:
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