Simple Goiter
Cuases - ANS-Simple, or nontoxic, goiter results from a shortage of iodine in the diet
Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of both T3 and T4--these are known as the thyroid
hormone. The inadequate blood level of thyroid hormone causes the anterior pituitary
gland to increase its secretion of TSH. TSH keeps attempting to stimulate the thyroid
gland to produce thyroid hormone. This continued stimulation in turn causes thyroid to
increase in size.
Diagnosis - ANS-Examination of the next, noting the enlargement of the thyroid gland
Blood studies indication elevated thyrotropin levels and occasionally reduced levels of
T3 and T4
Measurement of radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid gland is helpful in determining
the cause of the abnormality
Thyroid ultrasonography can confirm the presence of thyroid nodules
Patient Screening - ANS-Patient complains of an enlargement in the area of thyroid
gland, with or without discomfort in area, should be scheduled for a thorough patient
history and physical exam.
Patient Teaching - ANS-Instruct patient to take prescribed thyroid hormone meds at the
same time every day to maintain a constant level of the med in the blood
Make sure the patient and family knows the symptoms of adverse effects of a thyroid
preparation that should be reported to the physician--increased pulse rate, palpitations,
anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors
Prevention - ANS-Adequate intake of iodized salt prevents this deficiency
Some individuals should be advised to avoid goitrogenic drugs or foods--broccoli,
Brussels sprouts
Prognosis - ANS-Good when treatment is successful
Large goiter is unresponsive to treatment, total thyroidectomy may be required
Cuases - ANS-Simple, or nontoxic, goiter results from a shortage of iodine in the diet
Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of both T3 and T4--these are known as the thyroid
hormone. The inadequate blood level of thyroid hormone causes the anterior pituitary
gland to increase its secretion of TSH. TSH keeps attempting to stimulate the thyroid
gland to produce thyroid hormone. This continued stimulation in turn causes thyroid to
increase in size.
Diagnosis - ANS-Examination of the next, noting the enlargement of the thyroid gland
Blood studies indication elevated thyrotropin levels and occasionally reduced levels of
T3 and T4
Measurement of radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid gland is helpful in determining
the cause of the abnormality
Thyroid ultrasonography can confirm the presence of thyroid nodules
Patient Screening - ANS-Patient complains of an enlargement in the area of thyroid
gland, with or without discomfort in area, should be scheduled for a thorough patient
history and physical exam.
Patient Teaching - ANS-Instruct patient to take prescribed thyroid hormone meds at the
same time every day to maintain a constant level of the med in the blood
Make sure the patient and family knows the symptoms of adverse effects of a thyroid
preparation that should be reported to the physician--increased pulse rate, palpitations,
anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors
Prevention - ANS-Adequate intake of iodized salt prevents this deficiency
Some individuals should be advised to avoid goitrogenic drugs or foods--broccoli,
Brussels sprouts
Prognosis - ANS-Good when treatment is successful
Large goiter is unresponsive to treatment, total thyroidectomy may be required
