31 Aug Case Study 5: Disorders of Endocrine Control of Growth and Metabolism
Bertha is a 71-year-old woman who takes daily medication for Hashimoto thyroiditis. Last winter, she developed pneumonia. Although she did her best to run errands for her husband, she became tired easily and needed to rest frequently. One day, after shoveling the snow outside, her husband came inside to find Bertha lying on the sofa covered in blankets. Her face appeared puffy and her eyelids hung. When he spoke to her, Berthas voice was hoarse and her words did not make sense to him. Her respirations were also shallow and slow. Suspecting low thyroid hormone levels were causing the signs, her husband called for an ambulance.
- When testing for hypothyroidism, why is the free T4 level an important measurement? What would the TSH and T4 test results indicate in someone with primary hypothyroidism?
- Using your knowledge of the function of thyroid hormone in the body, explain why Berthas respiratory rate was decreased? Why might pleural effusion be present in someone with hypothyroidism?
- What factors in Berthas history leave her susceptible to myxedematous coma? What are the physiologic aspects involved in myxedematous coma?
- Make sure all of the topics in the case study have been addressed.
- Cite at least three references in your case study paper; this may include peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, or evidence-based practice websites to support the content.
- All reference sources must be within 5 years.
- Do not use sources such as Wikipedia or UpToDate as a reference.
- Assignments must have at least three full pages of analytic content, double-spaced (the cover and reference pages do not count in the page count, but must be included with the assignment), and follow APA 7th edition format.
