Lecture Notes: Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism

Overview

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Focus: Quick review of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, covering signs, symptoms, causes, treatments side-by-side.
• Additional Resources: Free quiz available on registernurseRN.com

Thyroid Hormones

• Role:
  • Affect metabolism speed (how fast food is burned).
  • Stimulate sympathetic nervous system (reflexes, reaction time).
  • Influence heart rate, blood pressure, temperature.

Hyperthyroidism

• Definition: Excessive production of thyroid hormones.
• Causes:
  • Excessive iodine intake.
  • Graves' disease (autoimmune, TSI production).
  • Toxic nodular goiter (nodular growths producing hormones).
  • Excessive thyroid medication (e.g., Synthroid).
• Signs & Symptoms:
  • Weight loss, heat intolerance, goiter, restlessness.
  • Fast heart rate, diarrhea, oily skin, irritability.
  • Mental focus issues, menstrual problems.
• Complications:
  • Thyroid storm (life-threatening if untreated).
• Treatments:
  • Anti-thyroid medications (e.g., Tapazole, PTU).
  • Beta blockers (e.g., Inderal) for symptom control.
  • Radioactive iodine therapy.
  • Thyroidectomy.
  • Avoid: Salicylates, iodine-rich foods/supplements.

Hypothyroidism

• Definition: Low production of thyroid hormones.
• Causes:
  • Iodine deficiency.
  • Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune).
  • Excessive anti-thyroid medication.
  • Pituitary tumor.
• Signs & Symptoms:
  • Weight gain, cold intolerance, fatigue.
  • Slow heart rate, constipation, memory loss.
  • Dry skin, depression, menstrual problems.
  • Myxedema (waxy skin swelling).
• Complications:
  • Myxedema coma (life-threatening if untreated).
• Treatments:
  • Thyroid hormone replacement (e.g., Synthroid).
  • Avoid: Sedatives, narcotics (risk of myxedema coma).

Conclusion

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• Additional Learning: Check out NCLEX review series on thyroid.
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