Reference no: EM133977868

Case Scenario

Christine Christine is a 30-year-old female. She is 170 cm tall and weighs 50 kg. Christine is presently pursing a master's degree in telecommunications and lives with both her parents. Christine visits her family health care provider's office for a follow-up review of some new patterns of behaviour and changes in her health status over the past month. Most notably, Christine reports unusual hunger - even after a large meal. She has also noted the following changes: ? unusual weight loss that is not related to exercise or stress, ? diarrhea, and ? an inability to tolerate normal seasonal increases in temperature. On assessment, her vital signs are BP: 150/92, RR: 22, P: 120 and regular, T: 38.9?C You observe a visible tremor when Christine moves her hands, and notice that she's having some problems concentrating on the conversation. During the visit, Christine comments that her eyes seem to be bulging a bit, and is very concerned. Diagnostic studies from her most recent visit reveal abnormal T3, T4, and TSH results. A thyroid scan reveals a small thyroid goiter. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made. The following is therapy is prescribed: Methimazole (MMI) 15 mg PO daily and Atenolol 25 mg PO daily When reviewing the information with Christine, she tells you that her thyroid function will need to be assessed every four to six weeks, until it stabilizes within the normal range. She was told that she will likely take the medication for a year which will then lead to hypothyroidism, at which point it will be determined whether further treatment is required (e.g., radioiodine therapy or surgery).

Suggested Objectives Linking this to the care scenario, students should review:

1. Compare the pathophysiology for the development of hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease, thyroiditis, and a pituitary adenoma.

6. Patient education re: hyperthyroidism