How does the nurse examine the thyroid?
Palpation: Anterior Approach The patient is examined in the seated or standing position. Attempt to locate the thyroid isthmus by palpating between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. Use one hand to slightly retract the sternocleidomastoid muscle while using the other to palpate the thyroid.
Is thyroid gland normally palpable?
Normal: The Thyroid gland is palpable and rises along with thyroid and cricoid cartilage during swallowing, in persons with a slender neck. It is soft and approximately weighs no more than 20 grams. It is often not palpable with aging.
Why is the thyroid gland not palpable?
A solitary toxic nodule typically suppresses the remainder of the gland and appears as a unilateral goiter, often with no palpable gland contralaterally. The ingestion of pharmacologic amounts of exogenous thyroid hormone suppresses the entire gland, leaving no palpable tissue in the face of thyrotoxicosis.
What test do they run to check your thyroid?
The T4 test and the TSH test are the two most common thyroid function tests. They’re usually ordered together. The T4 test is known as the thyroxine test. A high level of T4 indicates an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
How do you describe a normal thyroid test?
A normal thyroid is soft, smooth, symmetrical, and non-tender, and it slides upward slightly when swallowing. Symmetrical enlargement of a soft, smooth thyroid suggests endemic hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency or one of two prevalent autoimmune disorders: Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
How do you inspect and palpate the thyroid gland?
Palpation of the Thyroid
- Put your finger on tip of your chin (mentalis).
- Slide finger down the midline and the first hard structure you hit is the top of the thyroid cartilage.
- Run your finger down the prow or the free edge of the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple).
How do you monitor thyroid nodules?
A thyroid ultrasound provides the best information about the shape and structure of nodules. Doctors may use it to distinguish cysts from solid nodules or to determine if multiple nodules are present. Doctors may also use it as a guide in performing a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
How do you describe thyroid nodules?
Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone. Most thyroid nodules aren’t serious and don’t cause symptoms. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous.
What is test for thyroid called?
The test, called a thyroid function test, looks at levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood. Doctors may refer to this as “free” T4 (FT4). A high level of TSH and a low level of T4 in the blood could mean you have an underactive thyroid.
How does a nurse assess a patient for hypothyroidism?
Nursing Assessment Assessment of the patient with hypothyroidism should include: Assessment of the thyroid from an anterior or posterior position. Auscultation of the lobes of the thyroid gland using the diaphragm of the stethoscope if there are abnormalities palpated.
How to diagnose hypothyroidism from the anterior position?
Assessment of the thyroid from an anterior or posterior position. Auscultation of the lobes of the thyroid gland using the diaphragm of the stethoscope if there are abnormalities palpated. Assess thyroid gland for firmness (Hashimoto’s) or tenderness (thyroiditis).
What are nursing considerations when administering antithyroid agents?
Here are important nursing considerations when administering antithyroid agents: These are the important things the nurse should include in conducting assessment, history taking, and examination: Assess for contraindications or cautions (e.g. history of allergy, renal stone, pregnancy, etc.) to avoid adverse effects.
What do you need to know about a thyroid exam?
The examination consists of three portions: After completing anterior inspection of the thyroid, observe the neck from the side. Estimate the smooth, straight contour from the cricoid cartilage to the suprasternal notch. Measure any prominence beyond this imagined contour, using a ruler placed in the area of prominence.