Author Question: A patient with hypothyroidism as a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis asks how long thyroid ... (Read 74 times)

PhilipSeeMore · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient with hypothyroidism as a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis asks how long thyroid replacement drugs will need to be taken. What is the nurse's best response?

a. You will need to take the thyroid replacement drug until the goiter is completely gone.
b. You will need thyroid replacement drugs for the rest of your life because thyroid function will not return.
c. The thyroiditis will be cured with antibiotics and then you will no longer need the thyroid replacement drugs.
d. When your thyroid function studies indicate a normal blood level of thyroid hormones you will be able to discontinue the drugs.

Question 2

Laboratory blood tests show that a patient has a T3 level of 190 ng/dL. How does the nurse interpret this finding?

a. Hypothyroidism
b. Hyperthyroidism
c. Normal thyroid function
d. Thyroid function totally absent

Jadwiga9 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Hashimoto's thyroiditis results in a permanent loss of thyroid function. Without continuous thy-roid replacement drugs, the patient's metabolism would eventually stop and death would occur.

Answer to Question 2

C
The normal level for T3 (triiodothyronine) ranges between 70 and 205 ng/dL.