NUR 533 EXAM WEEK 2 NEWEST
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2025
Hypothyroidism - -High TSH + low T4 = primary hypothyroidism
High TSH + normal T4 = subclinical hypothyroidism
Normal TSH + low T4 = secondary hypothyroidism or severe non-thyroidal illness
Subclinical Hypothyroidism Management - -TSH level 5-10 with sx of hypothyroidism: 3-
6 month trial of levothyroxine
TSH level 5-10 without sx of hypothyroidism: shared decision making on whether to
treat or not
TSH> 10: treat with levothyroxine therapy
Levothyroxine (1st line therapy) - -Average dose is 1.6 mcg/kg/day
Low dose in patients with CAD or older age
Recheck TSH in 6-8 weeks and adjust as needed
Must take vitamins 4 hours before or after taking levothyroxine
Hypothyroidsim & Pregnancy - -1st Trimester TSH Goal Level: 0.5-2.5
2nd and 3rd Trimester TSH Goal Level: < 3
Dose will need to be increased by 20-30%
After delivery, the dose can be decreased to the pre-pregnancy dose and TSH needs to
be checked 6 weeks later
Subacute Thyroiditis - -Exquisitely tender, diffusely enlarged gland after a viral illness
Tx includes NSAIDS to relieve discomfort
Postpartum Thyroiditis - -Inflammation of the thyroid gland following childbirth
Normally occurs 3 months after birth
Painless
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Graves Disease - -An autoimmune disorder that is caused by hyperthyroidism and is
characterized by goiter and/or exophthalmos
May hear a bruit in the thyroid upon auscultation
Work-up: supressed TSH, elevated free T3 and T4, elevated total T3, positive
thyrotropin receptor antibody; order CBC, LFTs, and ESR
Tx: methimazole, propythiouricil, radioactive iodine therapy, thyroidectomy, beta-
blockers
Check TSH q2-8 weeks until normal
Toxic Multinodular Goiter - -Hyperthyroidism caused by multiple thyroid nodules
Thyroid Storm - -Increased temp, pulse, edema, irregular HR, and HTN
Medical emergency
Knowledge Check - -Beta blockers should be initiated for patients with Graves' disease
to alleviate the alpha-adrenergic symptoms of the hyperthyroidism. Radioiodine therapy
is used for patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Surgical resection is performed for
pregnant women who cannot be managed with thioamides or for patients who refuse
radioiodine therapy. Thioamide therapy is recommended for patients younger than 20
years old, pregnant women, those with a high likelihood of remission, and those with
active Graves' Orbitopathy
Thyroid Nodule - -1. Check TSH
2. Iodine uptake scan (high)
2(a). Thyroid US
3. Nodule > 1 cm: fine needle aspiration
Management of Benign Thyroid Nodules - -Repeat exam,US, and TSH in 12 months
and if unchanged, repeat in 24 months
Surgery if > 4 cm or symptomatic
Hyperparathyroidism - -Hypersecretion of the parathyroid glands, usually caused by a
tumor which increases calcium levels
If calcium level is increased, repeat it
Bone density scan should be completed
Cushing Disease - -Excessive anterior pituitary secretion of ACTH which produces
excess cortisol
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