Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

1. Fill in the blank regarding the negative feedback loop for thyroid hormone production: The _________ produces TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone) which causes the anterior pituitary gland to produce _______________ which in turn causes the thyroid gland to release _______ and _______.

2. A patient reports they do not eat enough iodine in their diet. What condition are they most susceptible to?

3. A patient has an extremely high T3 and T4 level. Which of the following signs and symptoms DO NOT present with this condition?

4. A patient is being discharged home for treatment of hypothyroidism. Which medication is most commonly prescribed for this condition?

5. You are performing discharge teaching with a patient who is going home on Synthroid. Which statement by the patient causes you to re-educate the patient about this medication?

6. The thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, play many roles in the human body. Which of the following functions are performed by T3 and T4? Note: Select all that apply

7. A patient is admitted with complaints of palpations, excessive sweating, and unable to tolerate heat. In addition, the patient voices concern about how her appearance has changed over the past year. The patient presents with protruding eyeballs and pretibial myxedema on the legs and feet. Which of the following is the likely cause of the patient’s signs and symptoms?

8. A patient who is in her first trimester of pregnancy is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which medication do you suspect the patient will be started on?

9. Which of the following are treatment options for hyperthyroidism? Please select all that apply:

10. A patient was recently discharged home for treatment of hypothyroidism and was ordered to take Synthroid for treatment. The patient is re-admitted with signs and symptoms of the following: heart rate 42, blood pressure 70/56, blood glucose 55, and body temperature of 96.8 ‘F. The patient is very fatigued and drowsy. The family reports the patient has not been taking Synthroid since being discharged home from the hospital. Which of the following conditions is this patient most likely experiencing?

11. A patient with hypothyroidism is having pain 6 on 1-10 scale in the right hip due to recent hip surgery. Which of the following medications are NOT appropriate for this patient? Select all that apply:

12. A patient is being educated on how to take their anti-thyroid medication. Which of the following statements are INCORRECT?

13. A patient is 6 hours post-opt from a thyroidectomy. The surgical site is clean, dry and intact with no excessive swelling noted. What position is best for this patient to be in?

14. Which of the following signs and symptoms causes concern and requires nursing intervention for a patient who recently had a thyroidectomy?

15. ___________ is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the thyroid gland that causes it to stop releasing T3 and T4. The patient is likely to have the typical signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism, however, they may present with what other sign as well?

16. Which of the following side effects are possible for a patient taking an anti-thyroid medication?

17. A patient is receiving radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. What will you include in your patient education to this patient about this type of treatment?