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Suggested Answers to Discussion Topics, Chapter 37, Thyroid and Parathyroid
Agents
Suggested Answers for Discussion Topics
1a. Students’ answers should include the following:
 Thyroid hormone is responsible for the regulation of metabolism.
 Students should list some of the signs of hypothyroidism and related them to
Mrs. Smith’s age and lifestyle.
 Thyroid hormones affect or regulate most major body functions.
 Growth and development are dependent on thyroid hormones.
 Calcium levels are regulated by the thyroid gland.
Learning
Objective(s)
2, 3, 4, 5
1b. Students’ answers should include the following:
 Levothyroxime is a synthetic salt of T4 used for thyroid hormone replacement.
 Bioavailability and reliability are predictable and stable.
 Levothyroxime increases metabolism and improves the overall rate of
metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrate, improving growth and
maturation.
1c. Students’ answers should include the following:
 Key concept: if the medication dosage is correct, there should be few, if any,
adverse effects.
 The most common adverse effects result from cardiac stimulation and CNS
stimulation.
2a. Students’ answers should include the following:
 Students should use Box 37.4 as a guide to answer this question.
 Aerobic exercise: this can be as simple as walking 10 minutes a day. This does
not have to be high impact.
 Proper diet: protein and calcium are essential for bone growth. Protein should
be eaten two to three times per week.
 Weight loss can decrease pressure on bones at rest.
 Hormone replacement therapy: risk-versus-benefit concept. Studies have
shown an increased risk of cardiac disease in women on HRT.
2b. Students’ answers should include the following:
 Osteoporosis results from a lack of bone-building cell (osteoclast) activity.
 There is a decrease in bone matrix and mass with less calcium and phosphorus
being deposited in the bone.
 Women after menopause are at risk but also patients of any age who are
nonweight bearing, patients who have malnutrition, and patients with limited
physical activity.
2, 3, 4, 5