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Endocrine System
Endocrine System ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client who has decreased thyroid function due to aging. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
This is wrong becausetachycardia, or fast heart rate, is not a symptom of hypothyroidism.In fact, hypothyroidism can causebradycardia, or slow heart rate, because thyroid hormones affect the heart’s contractility and rhythm.
This is wrong becauseweight lossis not a symptom of hypothyroidism. On the contrary, hypothyroidism can causeweight gainbecause thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and energy expenditure.Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the basal metabolic rate and cause the body to store more fat.
This is wrong becauseheat intoleranceis not a symptom of hypothyroidism. Instead, hypothyroidism can causecold intolerancebecause thyroid hormones affect the body’s temperature regulation and thermogenesis.Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the production of heat and cause the body to feel cold.
Decreased thyroid function due to aging, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism, temperature, and other functions.When there is not enough thyroid hormone, the body’s processes slow down and cause various symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in the elderly are:.
• Fatigue.
• Weight gain.
• Cold intolerance.
• Constipation.
• Dry skin.
• Hair loss.
• Muscle weakness.
• Joint pain.
• Depression.
• Memory problems.
Dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism because thyroid hormones affect the skin’s moisture and elasticity.Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the production of natural oils and cause the skin to become dry, flaky, and itchy.
The correct answer is D. Dry skin.
Decreased thyroid function due to aging, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism, temperature, and other functions. When there is not enough thyroid hormone, the body’s processes slow down and cause various symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in the elderly are:.
• Fatigue.
• Weight gain.
• Cold intolerance.
• Constipation.
• Dry skin.
• Hair loss.
• Muscle weakness.
• Joint pain.
• Depression.
• Memory problems.
Dry skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism because thyroid hormones affect the skin’s moisture and elasticity. Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the production of natural oils and cause the skin to become dry, flaky, and itchy.
Choice A is wrong because tachycardia, or fast heart rate, is not a symptom of hypothyroidism. In fact, hypothyroidism can cause bradycardia, or slow heart rate, because thyroid hormones affect the heart’s contractility and rhythm.
Choice B is wrong because weight loss is not a symptom of hypothyroidism.
On the contrary, hypothyroidism can cause weight gain because thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and energy expenditure. Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the basal metabolic rate and cause the body to store more fat.
Choice C is wrong because heat intolerance is not a symptom of hypothyroidism.
Instead, hypothyroidism can cause cold intolerance because thyroid hormones affect the body’s temperature regulation and thermogenesis. Low thyroid hormone levels can reduce the production of heat and cause the body to feel cold.
The normal ranges for thyroid function tests are:.
• TSH: 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L.
• Free T4: 0.8 - 1.8 ng/dL.
• Free T3: 2.3 - 4.2 pg/mL.
However, these ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and the population. Some studies suggest that the upper limit of normal for TSH may be higher in older adults.
Therefore, it is important to interpret thyroid function tests in the context of clinical symptoms and other factors.