I chose this article to summarize because I am very interested in thyroid imbalances as I was tested for Hypothyroidism. This article helped me in understanding more about why the thyroid hormones do in the body and the signs and symptoms of each condition. Hyperthyroidism is an overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder, which is caused from a decrease in metabolic rate and causes edema. While caring for a patient with either of these two diseases, the nurse must assess vital signs, weight, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, metabolic rate and monitor serum thyroid hormone levels with coagulation lab values.
Summary of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism results when …show more content…
46). “Thyrotoxicosis, known as the overproduction of thyroid hormones, could be caused by radiation exposure, ingestion of excess thyroid hormone, thyroiditis, interferon-alpha therapy, pituitary tumors, and metastatic thyroid cancer” (Crawford & Harris, 2012, p. 46). “Graves disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland, which makes antibodies that bind to the TSH receptor sites in the thyroid. These cause gland hypertrophy and thyroid hormone overproduction, demonstrating thyrotoxicosis.” (Crawford & Harris, 2012, p. 46). Enlarged thyroid tissue or benign tumors on the thyroid is called, toxic multinodular goiter (Crawford & Harris, 2012, p. …show more content…
47). The nurse will also monitor complete blood cell count, liver panel and serum glucose with electrolyte levels that may show signs of thyrotoxic crisis (Crawford & Harris, 2012, p. 47). Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled and the nurse should teach the patient to avoid foods high in iodine (Crawford & Harris, 2012, p. 47). “Patients with Graves disease should notify their healthcare provider if they develop periorbital edema, eye irritation, blurred vision, and excessive tearing worsened by exposure to cold, wind, or bright lights” (Crawford & Harris, 2012, p.