Download Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism
PATIENT NAME ________________________________SOC ______________
INITIAL
anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland.
______ ______ A. The thyroid gland is located beside the windpipe and just below the
voice box.
______ ______ B. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that control the rate of
metabolism.
______ ______ C. The primary hormone produced is thyroxine.
Define hypothyroidism.
______ ______ A. Hypothyroidism is a disease resulting from a deficiency of thyroid
hormones.
______ ______ B. Hypothyroidism can affect infants, children, and adults.
Possible causes of hypothyroidism.
______ ______ A. Congenital deficiency.
______ ______ B. Tumors.
______ ______ C. Inflammation of the thyroid.
______ ______ D. Hypothalmic or pituitary disease.
______ ______ E. Surgical removal of thyroid.
______ ______ F. Iodine deficiency.
______ ______ G. Radioactive iodine treatment.
Signs and symptoms.
______ ______ A. Adults:
______ ______ 1. Lethargy and fatigue.
______ ______ 2. Forgetfulness.
______ ______ 3. Weight gain.
______ ______ 4. Dry, scaly skin.
______ ______ 5. Puffy face, swollen around the eyes.
______ ______ 6. Thinning and loss of hair.
______ ______ 7. Constipation.
______ ______ 8. Irregular menstrual periods or heavy flow.
______ ______ 9. Increased sensitivity to cold.
______ ______ 10. Hypersensitivity to drugs such as barbiturates and sedatives and to
anesthesia.
Measures for management of the disease.
______ ______ A. Exercise regularly with planned rest periods.
______ ______ B. Set realistic goals to increase activity as tolerated.
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Hypothyroidism
PATIENT NAME ________________________________SOC ______________
______ ______ C. Eat diet low in sodium, cholesterol, fat, and calories.
______ ______ D. Avoid constipation with diet high in fiber, adequate fluids, stool
softeners, etc.
______ ______ E. Take thyroid medication as instructed at the same time each day.
(Note: Thyroid medication and lab testing must be taken lifelong.)
______ ______ F. Obtain permission from physician for over-the-counter medication.
(Sedatives or hypnotics can cause respiratory depression.)
______ ______ G. Keep follow-up appointments with physician.
______ ______ H. Provide a warm environment to promote comfort.
______ ______ I. Avoid pressure or irritation to the skin to prevent skin breakdown.
______ ______ J. Avoid excess stress, which increases metabolic rate.
______ ______ K. Use Medic Alert bracelet or card.
Signs and symptoms to report to physician.
______ ______ A. Signs/symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as weight loss, restlessness,
fast heart rate, fatigue, loose bowel movements, or heat intolerance
(hyperthyroidism can be caused by hormone therapy).
______ ______ B. Signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism (puffy, masklike face, swelling
around the eyes).
______ ______ C. Signs/symptoms of respiratory infections (fever, cough, cold
symptoms).
______ ______ D. Signs/symptoms of urinary infections (burning, frequency, urgency).
Signs and symptoms of possible complications.
______ ______ A. Heart disease.
______ ______ B. Organic psychosis.
______ ______ C. Myxedema coma.
______ ______ D. Intestinal obstruction.
______ ______ E. Anemia.
______ ______ F. Heart failure.
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