RNSG 1247 - Exam 1|Advanced Endocrine and Metabolic Nursing
Examination: Thyroid Gland Function, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism,
Graves’ Disease, Thyroid Storm, Thyrotoxicosis, Myxedema Coma,
Thyroidectomy, Radioactive Iodine Therapy, Antithyroid Drug Therapy, β-
Adrenergic Blockers, Iodine Therapy, Exophthalmos, Goiter,
Hyperparathyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Tetany, Hypocalcemia,
Hypercalcemia, Calcium-Phosphorus Imbalance, Osteoporosis, Kidney Stones,
Diagnostic Laboratory Evaluation, TSH, T3, T4, PTH, Serum Calcium, Serum
Phosphorus, Ophthalmologic Assessment, RAIU Testing, Postoperative Nursing
Care, Patient Education, Lifelong Hormone Management Exam Questions
Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the thyroid gland?
•The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland.
•Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood stream.
The thyroid gland secretes 3 main hormones:
thyroxine -- T4
triiodothyronine -- T3
Calcitonin
Iodine is needed to synthesize T3/T4
,Thyroid Gland Hormones
T3 & T4 control cellular metabolism:
§Increase metabolic rate
§Increase O2 consumption
§Increase carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
§Caloric requirements
§Growth & development
§Brain function
§Other nervous system activities
Calcitonin:
Lowers serum calcium
What stimulates the release of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland?
TSH from the anterior pituitary gland stimulates thyroid hormone production and release.
,Thyroid feedback loop
a negative feedback loop:
TRH released from hypothalamus
Stimulates pituitary to release TSH
Travels to thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone
Conversely, high levels of T3/T4 inhibit secretion of TSH
Continuum of Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid storm, hyperthyroidism, Euthyroid, Hypothyroidism, Myxedema coma
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland with sustained increase in synthesis and release of thyroid hormones
more common in women, and ages 20-40 yrs old
Graves Disease – characterized by thyroid enlargement and elevated thyroid hormones
Accounts for 75% of cases of hyperthyroidism
, Hyperthyroidism s/s
increased metabolism:
•Cardiovascular
•Respiratory
•Gastrointestinal
•Integumentary
•Musculoskeletal
•Nervous
•Reproductive
•Other
Hyperthyroidism - Diagnostic Assessment
•History & physical exam; ECG
•Ophthalmologic examination
•Lab tests ( low or undetectable TSH, & increased free T4 levels, increased T3 & T4
Examination: Thyroid Gland Function, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism,
Graves’ Disease, Thyroid Storm, Thyrotoxicosis, Myxedema Coma,
Thyroidectomy, Radioactive Iodine Therapy, Antithyroid Drug Therapy, β-
Adrenergic Blockers, Iodine Therapy, Exophthalmos, Goiter,
Hyperparathyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Tetany, Hypocalcemia,
Hypercalcemia, Calcium-Phosphorus Imbalance, Osteoporosis, Kidney Stones,
Diagnostic Laboratory Evaluation, TSH, T3, T4, PTH, Serum Calcium, Serum
Phosphorus, Ophthalmologic Assessment, RAIU Testing, Postoperative Nursing
Care, Patient Education, Lifelong Hormone Management Exam Questions
Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the thyroid gland?
•The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland.
•Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood stream.
The thyroid gland secretes 3 main hormones:
thyroxine -- T4
triiodothyronine -- T3
Calcitonin
Iodine is needed to synthesize T3/T4
,Thyroid Gland Hormones
T3 & T4 control cellular metabolism:
§Increase metabolic rate
§Increase O2 consumption
§Increase carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
§Caloric requirements
§Growth & development
§Brain function
§Other nervous system activities
Calcitonin:
Lowers serum calcium
What stimulates the release of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland?
TSH from the anterior pituitary gland stimulates thyroid hormone production and release.
,Thyroid feedback loop
a negative feedback loop:
TRH released from hypothalamus
Stimulates pituitary to release TSH
Travels to thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone
Conversely, high levels of T3/T4 inhibit secretion of TSH
Continuum of Thyroid Dysfunction
Thyroid storm, hyperthyroidism, Euthyroid, Hypothyroidism, Myxedema coma
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland with sustained increase in synthesis and release of thyroid hormones
more common in women, and ages 20-40 yrs old
Graves Disease – characterized by thyroid enlargement and elevated thyroid hormones
Accounts for 75% of cases of hyperthyroidism
, Hyperthyroidism s/s
increased metabolism:
•Cardiovascular
•Respiratory
•Gastrointestinal
•Integumentary
•Musculoskeletal
•Nervous
•Reproductive
•Other
Hyperthyroidism - Diagnostic Assessment
•History & physical exam; ECG
•Ophthalmologic examination
•Lab tests ( low or undetectable TSH, & increased free T4 levels, increased T3 & T4
