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Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease, Goiter)
[Description]
• Excessive activity of thyroid gland
• Elevated T3 & T4
• Increased rate of body metabolism
• Autoimmune process
• Etiologies:
o Primary disease state
o Use of replacement hormone therapy
o Excessive TSH production
• Diagnostic:
o Low TSH
o High T3/T4
o Thyroid scan – goiter
• Treatment:
o Medication:
â–ª Propylthiouracil (PTU)
â–ª Methimazole (Tapazole)
o Thyroid ablation by medication
o Radioactive iodine therapy
o Thyroidectomy
o Adenectomy – portion of the anterior pituitary where TSH is made is taken out
o NOTE: all treatments cause hypothyroid = lifelong hormone replacement
[Assessment]
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Acceleration of body processes:
o Weight loss
o Increased appetite
o Diarrhea
o Heat intolerance
o Tachycardia, palpitations, high HP
o Diaphoretic, wet, moistskin
o Nervousness, insomnia
• Exophthalmos
[Intervention]
• Observe for Thyroid Storm
• Teach:
o After treatment, hormone replacement necessary
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