Hyperthyroidism - Research Paper Example

The skin is warm and smooth to touch with soft, fine hair and pliable nails. Vital signs also reveal an increased in the systolic blood pressure and BMR. There is also tachycardia and palpitations. Diagnostic tests to confirm symptoms presented involve serum T3 and T4 with increased levels. The disease may also affect the results of RAIU, T3/T4, and PBI showing the same increase. Plan of Care The goal of care for hyperthyroidism is to reduce thyroid hyperactivity. The promotion of physical and mental rest involving keeping of stimuli in the environment at a minimum level is essential to conserve the strength of the patient.

It is also helpful if the patient is provided with a calm and quite environment through soft music and television entertainment. Likewise, the protection of patient from worries and stressful situation is a must. Apart from promoting rest, safety should also be maintained. To avoid untoward accidents, the removal of breakable items must be observed since the patient is vulnerable to weakness, nervousness and tremors. Maintenance of nutrition is deemed important to supply the increased body needs.

With the patient’s fast metabolism, proteins, vitamins, minerals, adequate calories, in between meals and other supplements are encouraged. However, high seasoned diets and foods that act as stimulants such as coffee, tea and the like are discouraged. Lastly, promoting comfort as well as preventing complications by protecting the eyes with dark glasses and instillation of artificial tears contributes to the success of the patient’s care. Medication Treatments To complete the treatment however, medical intervention is an essential part of it.

This include anti thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Among the anti-thyroid drugs includes thiocarbamides, propythiuracil, and methimazole. The aim of thiocarbamides or carbimazole inhibits the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone (Roth, 2007). From the result of interview, the most commonly used drug with this group is the neomercazole that reduces the formation of thyroxine and di-iodotyrosine. The rapid absorption of the drug and its wide distribution to all parts of the body makes the drug the choice of many.

The dosage depends on the severity of the disease however normally it is given in 10mg to 60mg on a daily basis. It should be reduced as the prognosis becomes better. To avoid over dosage poisoning, precautions on this drug should be exercised. Any signs of hypothyroidism or blood dyscrasias would alarm the patient to stop the consumption immediately and further treatment is symptomatic and supportive (leaflet, 2005). Other side effects are skin pigmentation, rush, pruritis, gastro intestinal disturbances, urticaria, and abnormal hair loss among others.

Propythiuracil is a white crystalline containing thiocarbamide compound administered orally. Each tablet contains inactive components such as anhydrous lactose, sodium and pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, and 50 mg propythiuracil. The drug has a similar action with neomercazole that is to inhibit the conversion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the peripheral tissues. Aside from it taken orally as a single drug treatment of hyperthyroidism, it can also be taken to control signs and symptoms in preparation to surgery or iodine therapy.

The drug however should not be given to patients who are hypersensitive to any of its components. It