...2013 Things That Can Go Wrong With the Human Body: Hypothyroidism Introduction: Over time, a significant amount of problems with the human body have evolved. These problems have been developed due to both environmental and genetic factors. Dietary changes and urbanization have also played a crucial role in the development of problems that may occur. Our bodies contain a number of functioning systems that are all imperative to our survival. Without these systems, our bodies would not function and in turn, we would cease to exist. The endocrine system serves as one of the body’s ways of sending messages to the brain. It includes a number of vital glands that keep our body’s performance stable and functional. The thyroid gland is one of the most important components in the endocrine system. It is located in the neck, just under the voice box. Its primary function is to release the hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which control body metabolism, by taking iodine from our food and converting it into these hormones. When the levels of T4 and T3 become too low, the pituitary gland must produce a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which then activates the thyroid gland to generate more hormones. (Norman, 2012). If the thyroid gland does not work properly, these hormones cannot be produced on their own. This condition is known as Hypothyroidism. This paper examines the types and causes of hypothyroidism, as well as the symptoms that may occur. Possible treatments...
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...essential for life and have many effects on body metabolism, growth, and development. Several different types of thyroid problems may develop including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and growths on the thyroid that may be nodules or cancer. As mentioned in an article from Cleveland clinic, to control metabolism, the thyroid produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body's cells how much energy to use. A properly functioning thyroid will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the body's metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate. As the hormones are used, the thyroid creates replacements. The quantity of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull below the brain, senses either a lack of thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid hormones, it will adjust Thyroid- stimulating hormones (TSH) and send it to the thyroid to tell it what to do. Thyroid disease is quite common. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism. There are many different reasons why either of these conditions...
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...Case Study Two: HTN, CKD, & Hypothyroidism Managing Co-Morbidities in Primary Care Primary care providers treat many patients with co-morbidities. It is important for primary care providers to utilize the most current evidence-based research and guidelines to treat and manage patients with co-morbidities in order to reduce risk factors and improve overall health. The following case study will be utilized to apply current guidelines for the treatment and management of hypertension (HTN), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypothyroidism including patient education, monitoring, and clinical end points. Case Study A 45 year old African American male returns for a six month follow-up for blood pressure (BP) control. The patient complains of on-going symptoms over the past few months of dry cough, sleep disturbances, fatigue, constipation, weight gain, and dry skin. The patient denies pain, shortness of breath, edema, or sputum production. Pulse is 80 and regular, BP is 148/110, and BMI is 28. He is six feet tall and weighs 205 pounds. Labs reveal TSH of 5.2, free T4 of 0.8, free T3 1.8, Creatinine 2.1, BUN 22. Family history includes stroke, heart attack, and high cholesterol. Current medications are daily multivitamin, Lisinopril 10 mg once daily, over-the-counter (OTC) Robitussin, and OTC laxative as needed (University of Phoenix, 2014, Week Seven Case Study). The patient can be diagnosed with uncontrolled HTN, subclinical hypothyroidism, and may have chronic kidney...
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...Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy Lydia Lebron Composition I ENG201 Jersey College School of Nursing Teterboro Campus Professor Toni S. Taylor, MSW Winter 2013 January 24,2014 Abstract Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is very dangerous for both mother and unborn child. There are several complications that the fetus can develop if left untreated. Many times hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed due to its symptoms similar to pregnancy. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in pregnancy for fetus brain and developmental growth as well as the mother’s health. With the right medical management hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy can prevent fetal birth defects by mandated prescreening before, during, after pregnancy postpartum thyroiditis, educating the patient about medical treatment, medication and diet requirements and restrictions. Introduction “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”—Benjamin Franklin. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is often overlooked. Women with thyroid problems are asymptomatic and not routinely screened even during and after pregnancy (Braverman, 2012). Thyroid hormones play a critical role during pregnancy both in the development of a healthy baby and maintaining the health of the mother. With proper management, hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and postpartum thyroiditis during pregnancy can prevent fetal birth defects and health complications to the mother by mandatory screening...
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...essential for life and have many effects on body metabolism, growth, and development. Several different types of thyroid problems may develop including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and growths on the thyroid that may be nodules or cancer. As mentioned in an article from Cleveland clinic, to control metabolism, the thyroid produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body's cells how much energy to use. A properly functioning thyroid will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the body's metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate. As the hormones are used, the thyroid creates replacements. The quantity of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull below the brain, senses either a lack of thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid hormones, it will adjust Thyroid- stimulating hormones (TSH) and send it to the thyroid to tell it what to do. Thyroid disease is quite common. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism. There are many different reasons why either of these conditions...
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...CASE STUDY: You are making home visits to an 82-year-old woman who is recovering from a fractured femur. During your last three visits she has consistently complained of being cold, even though it is summer and her house is very warm. In addition, she has had frequent complaints of constipation, has not felt like eating, and been tired. She has a bottle of hand lotion next to her chair for her dry skin. What is your assessment, and is any action warranted on your part? SYMPTOMS: Why is patient presenting with these s/s CONSTIPATION: Immobility r/t fractured femur Pain meds: Analgesics BEING COLD: Anemia Low RBC production r/t femur fracture DRY SKIN: Dehydration FATIGUE: Pt could be pain LABS: What labs should be ordered for patient CBC; TSH; Serum Electrolyte Levels; Kanahi Beathea Johnnie Tolbert Critical Thinking Chapter 21 From the findings the pt was presenting with s/s of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland fails to produce or secrete as much Thyroxine(T4) as the body needs. Because thyroxine regulates such essential functions as heart rate, digestion, physical growth, and mental development, an insufficient supply of this hormone can slow life sustaining process, damage organs and tissue in every part of the body, and lead to life-threatening complications. Hypothyroidism is very common in patients over 60 years of age, and is steadily increasing with age. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are very non-specific in all patients, even more so in...
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...essential for life and have many effects on body metabolism, growth, and development. Several different types of thyroid problems may develop including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and growths on the thyroid that may be nodules or cancer. As mentioned in an article from Cleveland clinic, to control metabolism, the thyroid produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body's cells how much energy to use. A properly functioning thyroid will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the body's metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate. As the hormones are used, the thyroid creates replacements. The quantity of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull below the brain, senses either a lack of thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid hormones, it will adjust Thyroid- stimulating hormones (TSH) and send it to the thyroid to tell it what to do. Thyroid disease is quite common. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism. There are many different reasons why either of these conditions...
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...Juana Davidson Hypothyroidism Professor Cocimano HTH 1105- 92016 To understand hypothyroidism, you must first understand the function of the thyroid. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped organ at the base of your neck, measuring only 2-4 inches in diameter. (Sagmiller, 2) The principle role of the thyroid gland is to manufacture, store, and secrete the thyroid hormones, 1-thyroxine (T4) and triidothyroxine (T3). The thyroid is also responsible for storing much of the body’s supply of iodine, which is used to form T4 and T3. The hypothalamus detects a need for more thyroid hormone and signals the pituitary gland to make thyrotropin (TSH). The thyroid then adjusts its production of hormones based on the amount of TSH it receives. When the thyroid does not make enough hormones, hypothyroidism occurs. (Blanchard and Abrams-Brill) Simply put, hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid. Because the thyroid controls metabolism, regulates body temperature, affects body weight, muscle strength, energy level, and fertility (Sagmill, 206), an underactive thyroid can have significant effects on individuals who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. There are an estimated 27 million people living with hypothyroidism, the majority being female. Women are nine times more likely to develop this disease, most cases occurring during the childbearing years. (Blanchard and Abrams-Brill, 1491) While not as common; men and children are still susceptible to the disease. After...
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...Assignment 2 - Chapters 11-22. Gloria Amoako. a. What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone production. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body (www.medicinenet) b. How does Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism affect the patient's general health? Hypothyroidism is a condition when there is a deficiency of thyroid hormone in the body. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in the body (www.medicinenet). Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are extremely different cases. With hyperthyroidism, the patient’s heart muscle is "whipped" like a horse, and for a person with heart disease it's like whipping a tired horse. Thyroid hormone increases the force of contraction of, and the amount of oxygen demanded by, the heart muscle. It also increases the heart rate (http://heartdisease.about.com/). For these reasons the work of the heart is greatly increased in hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism increases the amount of nitric oxide in the lining of the blood vessels, causing them to dilate and become less stiff. For people with almost any type of heart disease, disorders of the thyroid gland can worsen old cardiac symptoms or cause new ones, and can accelerate...
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...pages doi:10.4061/2011/809341 Review Article Hypothyroidism and Thyroid Substitution: Historical Aspects J. Lindholm and P. Laurberg Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark Correspondence should be addressed to J. Lindholm, j.lindholm@ofir.dk Received 15 January 2011; Accepted 17 March 2011 Academic Editor: Marian Ludgate Copyright © 2011 J. Lindholm and P. Laurberg. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The last part of the 19th century was a period of great achievements in medicine and endocrinology. The thyroid gland evolved from being considered a rudimentary structure to an organ related to specific diseases. The singular importance of iodine became acknowledged. Graves-Basedow’s disease was described. Surgical treatment evolved with extraordinary speed. Theodor Kocher observed that the clinical picture in patients after total thyroidectomy was similar to the one seen in cretinism. In 1850, the first case of hypothyroidism or myxedema was described. Less than 50 years later, effective treatment was introduced. Another 50 years later, autoimmune thyroiditis was ascertained as the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism (in areas with no iodine deficiency). This paper gives a short survey of the history of hypothyroidism and its treatment. 1. Introduction During...
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...The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the throat. The thyroid is the largest of the endocrine glands; it has two lobes joined by the isthmus. It hugs the trachea on either side of the second and third ring, opposite of 5th, 6th, and 7th cervical vertebrae. Though the thyroid is small, it has an enormously important job to do, especially for teens. It manufactures the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. To produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid needs a chemical element called iodine that the body absorbs from the foods such as seafood, bread, and salt and from the water you drink. “The entire body contains about 50 milligrams of iodine. About 1/5 to 1/3 of that supply (10 to 15 milligrams) is stored in your thyroid. The thyroid combines the iodine with tyrosine to make important hormones.” Thyroid hormones travel through the bloodstream of your body’s cells. They are important to the growth and structure of bones, puberty and sexual development, and many other body functions. They are responsible for helping your cells convert oxygen and calories into the energy, which is needed to help them work properly. These hormones are important in making sure your body will mature as it should and may affect how your organs function. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothronine (T3), which account for 99.9% and 0.1% of the thyroid hormones present in your blood supply. The hormone with...
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...The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) used by clinicians and investigators to describe the diagnostic categories to aide in the communication about, study and treatment of people with various mental disorders (Schraffenberger, 2013). Characterized by a multiaxial system of five axes, I will discuss Axis III, which is defined as mental disorders with general medical conditions (GMC) present and how they should be coded. Axis III involves psychological disorders such as anxiety/panic attacks, depression, impulse- control, personality changes (mood), sleep disorders, and sexual dysfunctions. Medical conditions such as substance abuse, thyroid problems (e.g. hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism),...
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...University of Phoenix Material Diversity Case Study Kalista is a 46-year old woman of German-Irish decent who identifies with the diverse groups of upper–middle-class wives, mothers, grandmothers, students, career changers, health care providers, Catholics, volunteers, and cancer survivors. People who do not know Kalista may place her in the diverse groups of tattoo wearers, underachievers, overweight individuals, old hippies, or biker chicks. Kalista was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was 39 years old, and her thyroid gland was removed as a result. This operation successfully removed the cancer from her system. Afterwards, however, she had a large scar at the base of her neck. She also would always be in a chronic state of hypothyroidism, which causes thinning hair, obesity, fatigue, and water retention. Kalista’s experience with cancer transformed her life. Rather than remaining a victim of cancer, she chose to see it as a blessing. She felt that the experience helped her find renewed gratitude for the life she has and a sense of obligation to help others who have cancer. She had a tattoo of a growing, flowering vine placed over her scar; made the decision to change her career from a successful real estate agent to an oncology nurse; and is currently working part time as a hospital orderly while going to school to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Knowing the emotional toll that cancer had on her husband and her three children, she also...
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...scientist can identify a genetic disorders, diseases , study DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and it can even be used for forensic testing. Although genetic testing is a great medical tool, genetic testing does not prevent a disorder or disease. Genetic testing informs when there is a disorder or disease, it’s most useful for analyzing disorders and diseases like cancer. (Gates,2014) Cancer is one of the most common illness, but with a genetic test it can help identify it before it getting to advanced. There was one case with a middle age women named, Mary...
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...Final Exam: Endocrine system case studies UNIT XI: Endocrine Function, Metabolism, and Nutrition Case Studies Case 1 B.J. is a 54-year-old attorney who for several months has been experiencing generalized headaches that have responded poorly to nonnarcotic analgesics. He is also experiencing visual disturbances including blurred vision and double vision. On questioning, B.J. reports that he has gained 20 pounds over 2 years despite no change in activity or eating patterns. About his weight gain, B.J. jokes, “I guess it’s all in my feet. I had to buy new shoes, and my shoe size went from a size 10 to a size 12.” It was determined that B.J. should have a CT scan of his head to assess for a pituitary adenoma resulting in the hypersecretion of growth hormone. Discussion Questions 1. What information from the above scenario would support this possible etiology? The headaches is a possible symptom leading to the pituitary adenoma as this could be putting intracranial pressure on the brain. With also what it appears to be edema in the limbs is another indicator of the hypersecretion. With the use of nonnarcotic analgesics indicates that it has not improved the condition. 2. What other signs or symptoms might be apparent if B.J. does indeed have a pituitary adenoma? Another sign that could indicate the pituitary adenoma is the blurred and double vision. This means that it could possibly be compression on the optic nerve that is causing the altered vision. There could...
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