Treatments for Hyperthyroidism
Treatments for Hyperthyroidism
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Hyperthyroidism
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Hyperthyroidism: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Hyperthyroidism may include:
Hidden causes of Hyperthyroidism may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Hyperthyroidism: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Hyperthyroidism:
Curable Types of Hyperthyroidism
Possibly curable types of Hyperthyroidism may include:
Hyperthyroidism: Research Doctors & Specialists
- Diabetes & Endocrinology Specialists:
- Pregnancy & Fertility Health Specialists:
- Womens Health Specialists:
- Poisoning / Toxicology Specialists:
- Immune-Related Disease Specialists (Immunology):
- Senior Health Specialists (Geriatrics):
- more specialists...»
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Hyperthyroidism:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Hyperthyroidism include:
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Hyperthyroidism:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Hyperthyroidism include:
- Diltiazem
- Albert Diltiazem CD
- Apo-Diltiaz
- Alti-Diltiazem
- Cardizem
- Cardizem CD
- Cardizem SR
- Cartia XT
- Dilacor XR
- Diltia XT
- Diltiazem ER
- Med-Diltiazem SR
- Novo-Diltiazem
- Nu-Diltiaz
- Pharma-Diltiaz
- Syn-Diltiazem
- Teczem
- Tiamate
- Tiazac
Latest treatments for Hyperthyroidism:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Hyperthyroidism:
Hospital statistics for Hyperthyroidism:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Hyperthyroidism:
- 0.027% (3,382) of hospital consultant episodes were for thyrotoxicosis in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 87% of hospital consultant episodes for thyrotoxicosis required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 22% of hospital consultant episodes for thyrotoxicosis were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 78% of hospital consultant episodes for thyrotoxicosis were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 32% of hospital consultant episodes for thyrotoxicosis required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Hyperthyroidism
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Hyperthyroidism:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Hyperthyroidism,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Hyperthyroidism:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Hyperthyroidism:
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Hyperthyroidism
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Treatments of Hyperthyroidism: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Hyperthyroidism.
Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Identify and address the underlying cause
-
Appetite disturbance of depression may be reversed by antidepressant medications
-
Pancreatic enzymes for pancreatic malabsorption
-
Referral to nutritionist if necessary
-
Referral to social services if necessary
-
Anorexia of malignancy and AIDS can be treated with megestrol acetate or dronabinol
-
Aggressive treatment of anorexia nervosa, including evaluation for electrolyte and cardiac disorders and consultation with psychiatrist or psychologist
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Proptosis/Exophthalmos:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treat the underlying cause, although treatment of Graves’ disease does not always improve ophthalmopathy, and radioactive iodine may make it worse; systemic steroids for acute flareups only
-
Prevent eye injury and discomfort with artificial tears and sunglasses; may patch eye while sleeping
-
Surgical decompression (in TAO and retrobulbar hemorrhage with acute optic neuropathy by direct compression or by increased intraocular pressure)
-
If due to infectious causes, appropriate directed systemic intravenous antibiotic therapy and/or surgical debridement
-
If due to noninfectious inflammation, administer systemic steroids or immunomodulating therapy, particularly if there is acute optic neuropathy
-
Incisional or excisional biopsy of orbital tumors
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Weight Gain:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Weight loss by low-calorie diet and exercise
-
Discontinue or change offending medications if possible
-
Treat underlying medical disorders
–CHF: Diuretics, digoxin, ACE inhibitor, nitrates, salt
restriction
–Liver disease: Diuretics, paracentesis, salt restriction
–Nephrotic syndrome: Diuretics, anticoagulation,
nephrology referral
–Cushing's disease: Surgery to remove tumor
–Cushing's syndrome: Search for and treat the underlying
cause (e.g., resection of tumor); diet
–Depression: Antidepressants, counseling
–Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone replacement
–Diabetes: Oral medications, insulin, diet, exercise
–Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Diet, oral contraceptives
–Pregnancy: Prenatal care
–Pre-eclampsia: Bedrest, magnesium sulfate,
antihypertensive meds, deliver baby if necessary
–Bulimia: Psychiatry referral
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Initial goals are to achieve fluid balance via rehydration and to correct electrolyte disturbances
-
Caloric assessment and possible dietary supplementation
-
Treat infectious causes if medically indicated
-
Psychiatric care
–For eating disorders, depression, drug abuse
-
Malabsorption
–May require special formulas/restriction diets
–May require pancreatic enzymes
-
Treat endocrine disturbance
-
Anti-inflammatory medications for IBD
-
Surgical correction of cardiac anomalies
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Chronic, No Blood or Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treatment is directed at cause
-
Chronic nonspecific diarrhea
–Restriction of fluid intake to <90 mL/kg/day
–Reduction of fruit juices (<8 ounces/day)
–Elimination of sorbitol-containing juices
-
Carbohydrate malabsorption
–Trial elimination or reduction of offending sugar
–Lactase (Lactaid) for lactose intolerance
–Sucrase (Sucraid) for sucrase-isomaltase deficiency
-
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
–Antibiotic therapy with metronidazole alone or in combination with ampicillin or Bactrim
–Surgery for partial small bowel obstruction
-
Low-fat diet: Increase fat intake to approximately 40% of total daily calorie intake
-
Irritable bowel syndrome
–Anticholinergic therapy or antidepressants
-
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Zinc supplements
>>>>> >>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Proptosis/Exophthalmos:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Ophthalmology consultation is always warranted
-
Daily vision testing and optic nerve function evaluation
-
Lubrication for exposure
-
Cellulitis: Inpatient admission, drainage of abscess, IV antibiotics, close observation for visual detrioration
-
Systemic steroids for thyroid disease, capillary hemangioma
-
Orbital decompression if optic nerve compression
-
Surgical removal of tumors if appropriate
-
Irradiation (Graves disease, lymphoid tumors, lacrimal gland tumors)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Diarrhea – Chronic, with Weight Loss:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Correct malnourished states
-
IBD: Anti-inflammatories (e.g., steroids, 6MP, 5ASA)
-
CD: Lifelong gluten-free diet
-
CF: Pancreatic enzyme and nutritional supplements including fat-soluble vitamins (ADEK)
-
Allergy: Food antigen avoidance
-
Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency: “Sucraid” enzyme
-
Neural crest tumors: Surgical resections
-
VIPoma: Somatostatin
-
Gastrinoma: Proton pump inhibitors
-
Whipple disease: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
-
Abetalipoprotenemia: No specific treatment
–Supplements of fat-soluble vitamins and MCT oil
-
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Zinc supplements
-
Giardiasis: Metronidazole or nitazoxamide
-
Hyperalimentation: Parenteral nutrition may be needed for familial enteropathies
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Exophthalmos:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Eye trauma may require cold compresses for the first 24 hours, followed by warm compresses, and prophylactic antibiotic therapy. After edema subsides, surgery may be necessary in a small percentage of cases. Eye infection requires treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics during the 24 hours preceding positive identification of the organism, followed by specific antibiotics. A patient with exophthalmos resulting from an orbital tumor may initially benefit from antibiotic or corticosteroid therapy. Eventually, surgical exploration of the orbit and excision of the tumor, enucleation, or exenteration may be necessary. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used when primary orbital tumors can’t be fully excised as encapsulated lesions, such as in rhabdomyosarcoma lesions.
Treatment for Graves’ disease may include antithyroid drug therapy or partial or total thyroidectomy to control hyperthyroidism; initial high doses of systemic corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for optic neuropathy and, if lid retraction is severe, protective lubricants.
Surgery may include orbital decompression (removal of the superior and lateral orbital walls) if vision is threatened, followed by lid (blepharoplasty) and muscle surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Hyperthyroidism:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
A number of approaches are used to treat hyperthyroidism, primarily antithyroid drugs, 131I, and surgery. Appropriate treatment depends on the size of the goiter, the causes, the patient’s age and parity, and how long surgery will be delayed (if the patient is an appropriate candidate for surgery).
Antithyroid drug therapy is used for children, young adults, pregnant females, and patients who refuse surgery or 131I treatment. Thyroid hormone antagonists are given to block thyroid hormone synthesis. Although hypermetabolic symptoms subside within 4 to 8 weeks after such therapy begins, the patient must continue the medication for 6 months to 2 years, depending on the clinical circumstances. Beta-adrenergic blockers may be given concomitantly to manage tachycardia and other peripheral effects of excessive hypersympathetic activity.
During pregnancy, antithyroid medication should be kept at the minimum dosage required to keep maternal thyroid function within the high-normal range until delivery and to minimize the risk of fetal hypothyroidism — even though most infants of hyperthyroid mothers are born with mild and transient hyperthyroidism. (Neonatal hyperthyroidism may even necessitate treatment with antithyroid medications and propranolol for 2 to 3 months.) Because hyperthyroidism is sometimes exacerbated in the puerperal period, continuous control of maternal thyroid function is essential. Approximately 3 to 6 months postpartum, antithyroid drug administration can be gradually tapered and thyroid function reassessed. The mother receiving low-dose antithyroid treatment may breast-feed as long as the infant’s thyroid function is checked periodically. Small amounts of the drug can be found in breast milk.
A single oral dose of 131I is the treatment of choice for patients not planning to have children. (Patients of reproductive age must not be pregnant and should give informed consent for this treatment because small amounts of 131I concentrate in the gonads. However, there have been no reports of damage to subsequently conceived children in more than 50 years of 131I use.) During treatment with 131I, the thyroid gland picks up the radioactive element as it would regular iodine. Subsequently, the radioactivity destroys some of the cells that normally concentrate iodine and produce T4, thus decreasing thyroid hormone production and normalizing thyroid size and function. In most patients, hypermetabolic symptoms diminish from 6 to 8 weeks after such treatment. However, some patients may require a second dose.
Subtotal (partial) thyroidectomy, which decreases the thyroid gland’s capacity for hormone production, is indicated for patients with a large goiter whose hyperthyroidism has repeatedly relapsed after drug therapy or patients who refuse or aren’t candidates for 131I treatment. Preoperatively, the patient may receive iodides (Lugol’s solution or saturated solution of potassium iodide), antithyroid drugs, or high doses of propranolol, to help prevent thyroid storm. If euthyroidism isn’t achieved, surgery should be delayed and propranolol administered to decrease the systemic effects (cardiac arrhythmias) caused by hyperthyroidism. After ablative treatment with 131I or surgery, patients require regular medical supervision for the rest of their lives because they usually develop hypothyroidism, sometimes as long as several years after treatment.
Therapy for hyperthyroid ophthalmopathy includes local applications of topical medications but may require high doses of corticosteroids. A patient with severe exophthalmos that causes pressure on the optic nerve may require external beam radiation therapy or surgical decompression to lessen pressure on the orbital contents.
Treatment of thyroid storm includes administration of an antithyroid drug, propranolol I.V. to block sympathetic effects, a corticosteroid to inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3 and to replace depleted cortisol levels, and an iodide to block the release of thyroid hormone. Supportive measures include administration of nutrients, vitamins, fluids, and sedatives.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Simple goiter:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The goal of treatment is to reduce thyroid hyperplasia. Exogenous thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine is the treatment of choice; it inhibits TSH secretion and allows the gland to rest. Small doses of iodide (Lugol’s or potassium iodide solution) commonly relieve goiter that’s due to iodine deficiency. Sporadic goiter requires avoidance of known goitrogenic drugs and foods. A large goiter that’s unresponsive to treatment may require subtotal thyroidectomy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Thyroid enlargement:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Instruct the patient to watch for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, restlessness, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. Advise the patient with Graves’disease to use artificial tears frequently if proptosis causes his eyes to become dry. If the hyperthyroid patient is receiving therapy with radioactive iodine, tell him not to expectorate or cough freely after treatment because his saliva is radioactive for 24 hours.
Inform the patient that lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary after thyroidectomy or radioactive destruction of the thyroid gland. Tell him to watch for signs of an overdose, such as nervousness and palpitations.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Weight gain, excessive:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Educating the patient about weight control is extremely important. Stress the benefits of behavior modification and dietary compliance. Help the patient plan an appropriate exercise routine.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Low birth weight:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Because low birth weight may be associated with poorly developed body systems, particularly the respiratory system, your priority is to monitor the neonate’s respiratory status. Be alert for signs of distress, such as apnea, grunting respirations, intercostal or xiphoid retractions, or a respiratory rate exceeding 60 breaths/minute after the first hour of life. If you detect any of these signs, prepare to provide respiratory support. Endotracheal intubation or supplemental oxygen with an oxygen hood may be needed.
Monitor the neonate’s axillary temperature. Decreased fat reserves may keep him from maintaining normal body temperature, and a drop below 97.8° F (36.5° C) exacerbates respiratory distress by increasing oxygen consumption. To maintain normal body temperature, use an overbed warmer or an Isolette. (If these are unavailable, use a wrapped rubber bottle filled with warm water, but be careful to avoid hyperthermia.) Cover neonate’s head to prevent heat loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Thyrotoxicosis:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
A number of approaches are utilized for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. The primary forms of therapy include antithyroid drugs, 131I, and surgery. Appropriate treatment depends on the size of the goiter, the causes, the patient’s age and parity, and how long surgery will be delayed (if the patient is an appropriate candidate for surgery).
Antithyroid therapy
Therapy with antithyroid drugs is used for children, young adults, pregnant women, and patients who refuse surgery or 131I treatment. Antithyroid drugs are also used to correct the thyrotoxic state in preparation for 131I treatment or surgery. Treatment options include the following:
❑ Thyroid hormone antagonists include propylthiouracil and methimazole, which block thyroid hormone synthesis. Although hypermetabolic symptoms subside within 4 to 8 weeks after such therapy begins, the patient must continue the medication for 6 months to 2 years, in an attempt to achieve remission in Graves’disease.
❑ Propranolol may be given concomitantly to manage tachycardia and other peripheral effects of excessive hypersympathetic activity. Propranolol blocks the conversion of T4 to the active T3 hormone.
❑ During pregnancy, antithyroid medication should be kept at the minimum dosage required to keep maternal thyroid function within the high-normal range until delivery and to minimize the risk of fetal hypothyroidism. Propylthiouracil is the preferred agent for the pregnant patient. (See Congenital thyrotoxicosis).
131I
The treatment of choice for patients not planning to have children is a single oral dose of 131I. (Patients of reproductive age must give informed consent for this treatment, since small amounts of 131I concentrate in the gonads.)
During treatment with 131I, the thyroid gland picks up the radioactive element as it would regular iodine. Subsequently, the radioactivity destroys some of the cells that normally concentrate iodine and produce T4, thus decreasing thyroid hormone production and normalizing thyroid size and function.
In most patients, hypermetabolic symptoms diminish from 6 to 8 weeks after such treatment. However, some patients may require a second dose of 131I.
CLINICAL TIP: Patients commonly become permanently hypothyroid after 131I ablation.
Surgery
Near-total thyroidectomy, which decreases the thyroid gland’s capacity for hormone production, is indicated for patients whose thyrotoxicosis has repeatedly relapsed after drug therapy or patients who refuse or aren’t candidates for 131I treatment.
Preoperatively, the patient may receive iodides (Lugol’s solution or saturated solution of potassium iodide), antithyroid drugs, and propranolol to help prevent thyroid storm. If euthyroidism isn’t achieved, surgery should be delayed, and antithyroid drugs and propranolol should be administered to decrease the systemic effects (such as cardiac arrhythmias) caused by thyrotoxicosis.
After surgery, patients require regular medical supervision for the rest of their lives because they usually develop hypothyroidism, sometimes as long as several years after treatment.
Treatment for ophthalmopathy
Therapy includes local application of topical medications but may require high doses of corticosteroids. A patient with severe exophthalmos that causes pressure on the optic nerve may require external-beam radiation therapy or surgical decompression to lessen pressure on the orbital contents.
Treatment for thyroid storm
This includes administration of an antithyroid drug, propranolol I.V. or by mouth, to block sympathetic effects and conversion of T4 to T3. Corticosteroids also inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3, and an iodide is used to block release of thyroid hormone.
Supportive measures include administration of nutrients, vitamins, fluids, and sedatives.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Goiter:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
The goal of treatment is to reduce thyroid hyperplasia. The following measures are used:
❑ Exogenous thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine is the treatment of choice; it decreases TSH secretion and allows the gland to rest. (See Patient instructions in goiter.)
❑ Small doses of iodine (Lugol’s or potassium iodide solution) commonly relieve goiter caused by iodine deficiency. Sporadic goiter requires avoidance of known goitrogenic drugs and foods.
❑ A large goiter that’s unresponsive to treatment may require subtotal thyroidectomy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Exophthalmos:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient to protect his eyes from trauma and to avoid exposure to wind and dust. Demonstrate how to apply lubricants to prevent corneal drying. Encourage the patient to verbalize his feelings about changes in body image.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Thyroid enlargement:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Instruct the patient to watch for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as lethargy, restlessness, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. If the patient has Graves’disease, proptosis may cause his eyes to become dry, so advise him to use artificial tears frequently. If the hyperthyroid patient is receiving therapy with radioactive iodine, tell him not to expectorate or cough freely after treatment because his saliva is radioactive for 24 hours. If the patient has a goiter, support him as he expresses his feelings related to his appearance.
After thyroidectomy or radioactive destruction of the thyroid gland, explain to the patient that lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary. Tell him to watch for signs of overdose, such as nervousness and palpitations.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Weight gain, excessive:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Educating the patient about weight control is extremely important. Stress the benefits of behavior modification and dietary compliance. Help the patient plan an appropriate exercise routine.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Weight loss, excessive:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Refer your patient for psychological counseling if weight loss negatively affects his body image. Teach the patient about his diet and recommend that he keep a food diary. Determine his food preferences and try to incorporate them into his diet. Encourage oral hygiene before meals to make the food more palatable.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Thyroid enlargement:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, which may include needle aspiration, ultrasound, and radioactive thyroid scanning.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery or radiation therapy, if necessary.
▪ Provide specific interventions, depending on whether the patient is hypothyroid or has thyroiditis.
▪ Provide postoperative care for the patient who has undergone thyroidectomy.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Explain the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism to report.
▪ Explain posttreatment precautions to the patient undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.
▪ Teach thyroid hormone replacement therapy and signs of thyroid hormone overdose to report.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Weight gain, excessive:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Refer the patient for psychological counseling, as necessary.
▪ If the patient is obese or has a cardiopulmonary disorder, monitor exercise closely.
▪ Perform studies to rule out possible secondary causes should include serum thyroid-stimulating hormone determination and dexamethasone suppression testing.
▪ Perform laboratory tests for thyroid function and serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain to the patient the cause of weight gain, if known.
▪ Teach the patient about appropriate dietary choices and discuss an individualized exercise plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Exophthalmos [Proptosis]:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Because exophthalmos usually makes the patient self-conscious, provide privacy and emotional support.
▪ Protect the affected eye from trauma, especially drying of the cornea.
▪ Don't place a gauze eye pad or other object over the affected eye; removal could damage the corneal epithelium.
▪ If necessary, refer him to an ophthalmologist for a complete examination.
▪ Prepare the patient for blood tests, such as a thyroid panel and a white blood cell count.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach ways to protect the eye from trauma, wind, and dust.
▪ Discuss the proper application of lubricants to the eye.
▪ Explain the underlying cause of the patient's exophthalmos and its treatment.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Low birth weight:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Initiate feedings as soon as possible and continue to feed the neonate every 2 to 3 hours.
▪ Provide gavage or I.V. nutrition for the sick or very premature neonate.
▪ Check abdominal girth daily or more frequently if indicated, and check stools for blood to detect necrotizing enterocolitis.
▪ Prepare for a sepsis workup if signs of infection are associated with low birth weight.
▪ Check the neonate's vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour and at least once every hour thereafter until his condition stabilizes.
▪ Be alert for changes in temperature or behavior, feeding problems, respiratory distress, or periods of apnea—possible indications of infection.
▪ Monitor blood glucose levels and watch for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as irritability, jitteriness, tremors, seizures, irregular respirations, lethargy, and a high-pitched or weak cry.
▪ If the neonate is receiving supplemental oxygen, carefully monitor arterial blood gas values and the oxygen concentration of inspired air to prevent retinopathy.
▪ Monitor the neonate's urine output by weighing diapers before and after voiding.
▪ Check urine color, measure specific gravity, and test for the presence of glucose, blood, or protein.
▪ Watch for changes in the neonate's skin color because increasing jaundice may indicate hyperbilirubinemia.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain disorder and all procedures and treatments to the parents.
▪ Encourage the parents to participate in their neonate's care to strengthen bonding.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Weight loss, excessive:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Take daily calorie counts and weigh the patient weekly.
▪ Consult a nutritionist to determine an appropriate diet and nutritional supplements with adequate calories.
▪ Administer hyperalimentation or tube feedings to maintain nutrition, as needed.
Patient teaching
▪ Provide instruction in proper nutrition and keeping a food diary.
▪ Instruct the patient in proper oral hygiene.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Goiter:
Goiter - TREATMENT
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
Possible conflicts: In manic-depressive patients on lithium and cardiac patients on amiodarone, medication-induced thyroid abnormalities can be a significant problem that should be addressed by the endocrinologist and appropriate subspecialist.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
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