BEST FOR MIDTERM EXAM 100% ASSURED
WELL GRADED A+ (VERIFIED 2024-2025)
What labs are used to diagnose Thyroid? - ✔ANASWER✔-TSH,
total T4 and T3, free T4 and T3
Timeframe for re-check of labs after starting levothyroxine -
✔ANASWER✔-6-8 wks after starting therapy
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism - ✔ANASWER✔-Face:
Pale, puffy, expressionless
,Skin: Cold and dry
Hair: Brittle and hair loss
Heart rate and temp are lowered
Complaints by patient: lethargy, fatigue, intolerance to cold
Mentation may be impaired
Thyroid enlargement if ↓'d levels of T3 and T4 promoting
excessive release of TSH
Treatment of thyroid storm - ✔ANASWER✔-High dose potassium
iodide or strong iodine solution to suppress thyroid hormone
release,
methimazole to suppress thyroid hormone synthesis,
beta blocker to reduce heart rate, sedation cooling
glucocorticoids and IV fluids
Result of not treating hypothyroidism during pregnancy -
✔ANASWER✔-permanent neurological defects, ↓'d IQ, large
protruding tongue, potbelly dwarfish stature, impaired
development of nervous system bone teeth and muscles.
Medication to treat symptoms of hyperthyroidism (notice this is
treating symptoms and not the hyperthyroidism itself) -
✔ANASWER✔-Metoprolol could be used to treat tachycardia
, experienced with hyperthyroidism, but it does not treat
hyperthyroidism itself.
Drug/Food/Supplement interactions with levothyroxine
Absorption REDUCED by: - ✔ANASWER✔-Histamine 2 receptor
blockers (Cimetidine [Tagamet])
Proton pump inhibitors (Lansoprazole)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Aluminum containing antacids (maalox, mylanta)
Calcium supplements (tums, os-cal)
Iron supplements
Magnesium salts
Orlistat (Xenical)
* 4 hours between levothyroxine and the above meds is
recommended and food reduces absorption as well
How to confirm a diagnosis of DM prior to beginning treatment -
✔ANASWER✔-Hemoglobin A1C > 6.5%,
Fasting plasma glucose ≧ 126 mg/dL, Random plasma glucose
≧200 mg/dL plus symptoms of diabetes,