Thyroid Gland Disorders of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is located in the anterior, middle portion of the neck. Many of the bodies’ hormones come from the thyroid. According to Porth 2011, “the thyroid hormone increases the metabolism and protein synthesis in nearly all of the tissues of the body.” (p. 784). When these hormones are not regulated, a thyroid disorder develops such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones. (“Hypothyroidism”, n.d.). Hypothyroidism can be broken down even further. The two types of hypothyroidism are congenital hypothyroidism or acquired hypothyroidism. According to Porth 2011, “Congenital hypothyroidism develops prenatally and is present at birth. Acquired hypothyroidism develops later in life because of primary disease of the thyroid gland or secondary to disorders of hypothalamic or pituitary origin.” (p. 786). Some common symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, fatigue, constipation, drowsiness, hypothermia and muscle weakness (“Hypothyroidism”, n.d.).

Medications used to treat hypothyroidism consist of armour, proloid, synthroid, cytomel and euthroid (Dellipizzi-Citardi, 2011, p.59). Armour is a thyroid tablet consisting of extracts of the thyroid gland. Proloid is also known as thyroglobulin, which consists of purified extracts of a pig’s thyroid. Another name for synthroid is levothyroxine sodium. Cytomel is also referred to as liothyronine sodium. Lastly, euthroid is called liotrex. (Dellipizzi-Citardi, 2011, p.59). Some side effects of these medications are angina and arrhythmias. One nursing implication for these medications is administering a single dose before breakfast with a full glass of water, initial doses are low and gradually increase based on a thyroid function test. (“Thyroid, levothyroxine & liothyronine”, n.d.) Another nursing implication is if a patient has difficulty swallowing the tablet, crush it and put it in five to ten milliliters of water and administer it immediately by either spoon or dropper. (“Thyroid, levothyroxine & liothyronine ”, n.d.)

Hyperthyroidism develops when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. (“Hyperthyroidism”, n.d.). The main cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’s disease. According to Porth 2011, “Graves disease is a state of hyperthyroidism, goiter, opthalmopathy or less common dermopathy… Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating antibodies.” (p.789). Some more causes include multi nodular goiter, adenoma of the thyroid and thyroiditis. (Porth, 2011, p.788). Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are tachycardia, sweating, increased sensitivity to heat, fatigue, and muscle weakness and enlarged thyroid gland.