Endocrine

Sample Solution

Endocrine Case Study

1. Given her diagnosis, what should she expect regarding her weight and appetite?

Patients with Grave's disease often experience weight loss and increased appetite. This is due to the excess thyroid hormone circulating in the blood, which increases metabolism and caloric needs.

2. Why is she always warm?

Patients with Grave's disease often experience a feeling of being hot, even in cool temperatures. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by the excess thyroid hormone.

Full Answer Section

What is the basic pathophysiology of Grave's disease?

Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that attack and stimulate the thyroid gland. This leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormone, which causes the symptoms of Grave's disease.

4. What would you expect to see when you evaluate her vital signs and why do these findings occur?

Patients with Grave's disease often have elevated vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. This is due to the increased metabolic rate and sympathetic nervous system activity caused by the excess thyroid hormone.

5. What is the term used to describe her protruding eyes and why are they protruding?

The term used to describe the protruding eyes seen in Grave's disease is exophthalmos. It is caused by inflammation and swelling of the tissues behind the eyes.

6. Why are her collars too tight?

The swelling of the tissues in the neck can cause the collars of shirts and blouses to feel too tight.

7. What medications would you expect to see ordered for this patient?

The medications typically used to treat Grave's disease include:

• Antithyroid drugs: These drugs work by blocking the thyroid gland from producing thyroid hormone.
• Beta-blockers: These drugs work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate and tremor.
• Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine is taken orally and is absorbed by the thyroid gland. It then destroys thyroid cells, which reduces the production of thyroid hormone.

8. What complication(s) would you want to discuss with this patient to seek further medical attention?

The following complications of Grave's disease can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention:

• Thyroid storm: This is a rare but serious complication of Grave's disease that occurs when the body is flooded with thyroid hormone. Symptoms of thyroid storm include high fever, rapid heart rate, agitation, and delirium.
• Pretibial myxedema: This is a skin condition that causes thickening and hardening of the skin on the front of the shins.
• Graves' ophthalmopathy: This is an eye condition that can cause inflammation, swelling, and protrusion of the eyes.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the above, I would also want to discuss the following with the patient:

• The importance of following her doctor's orders and taking her medications as prescribed.
• The need to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can aggravate the symptoms of Grave's disease.
• The importance of getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet.