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:

▪ Propylthiouracil (PTU)

▪ 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