Directions
All students should complete the two (2) case studies below. Note: All case studies are provided as a learning tool for students who wish to have them.
Case 1
See Thyroid Function Panel Reference Range on page 478.
Review the following case and answer the questions.
Ms. Jefferson is a 50-year-old woman who comes into the clinic to review her laboratory results from 2 weeks prior. She is in good health and has no complaints.
Her laboratory values are normal except for the following:
- TSH = 30 mU/L; T4 = 3.0 mcg/dL
- free T4 = 0.5 mcg/dL
- free thyroxine index = 3.0
- T3 = 90 ng/dL
Answer the following questions.
- Based on these lab findings Ms. Jefferson is diagnosed with which thyroid disorder?
- Hyperthyroidism
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Subclinical hypothyroidism
- The lack of symptoms in the type of thyroid disorder Ms. Jefferson has is uncommon.
2. The lack of symptoms in the type of thyroid disorder Ms. Jefferson has is uncommon. True or False
3. Ms. Jefferson’s thyroid disorder is most likely caused by what?
- A pituitary adenoma (i.e., thyrotroph)
- Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (i.e., Hashimoto thyroiditis)
- Autoimmune Graves disease
- Iodine deficiency
4. Ms. Jefferson asks when she should return to evaluate her thyroid disorder. You should respond:
- An annual evaluation should be sufficient.
- Return to have a TSH level done 6 weeks after starting therapy.
- Six months from now.
5. Ms. Jefferson asks what are some possible symptoms of her thyroid disorder? Indicate all that apply.
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
Case Study 2
A 50-year-old woman with an 8-year history of diabetes mellitus presents with difficulty controlling her blood sugars for the past 2 weeks. Her self-monitoring blood glucose readings have been in the 200s–300s for 2 weeks. She has managed her type 2 DM with diet, exercise, and metformin 1,000 mg twice a day. Her last glycosylated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) level, which was measured 2 months ago, was 6.8%.
She has had asthma since age 18. She felt her asthma was getting worse for the past 6 months as she was having increased dyspnea and dry cough. She has managed her asthma with a daily combined long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist, an inhaled corticosteroid, and montelukast. She also uses her short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist, albuterol, about once a day. She went to her pulmonologist about 2 months ago and was diagnosed with severe asthma. A decision was made to start her on oral prednisone (corticosteroid). The first month she took 5 mg a day with some relief, but the symptoms returned, so her prednisone dose was increased to 10 mg a day. She has been taking the 10 mg dose for 3 weeks. She says her breathing is better, but she feels increasingly tired and like she is gaining weight.
Physical examination reveals an anxious woman with blood pressure of 144/92 mmHg; pulse of 90 beats per minute; respirations 20 per minute; and weight of 190 pounds. She is talking in full sentences. Lung sounds are clear bilaterally. No accessory muscles are being used. No cyanosis is present.
Answer the following questions.
1. Though this item involves pharmacology, it is still important. Which is the most likely cause of this patient’s loss of glucose control?
- Inhaled corticosteroid
- Prednisone therapy
- Asthma exacerbation
- Albuterol
2. All of the following actions are important for this patient to learn regarding glucocorticoid therapy, but which is the most important?
- Monitor cuts for healing
- Take the medication with food
- Do not stop taking the medication abruptly
- Contact her healthcare provider if she has any manifestations of infection
3. Which endocrine condition is this patient at risk of developing?
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pheochromocytoma
- Addison disease
- Cushing syndrome
4. Given this patient’s acute loss of glucose control, which of the following interventions would be ordered for this patient?
- Insulin as needed per routine sliding scale (dosing based on blood glucose levels)
- Increase exercise
- Decrease caloric intake
- Decrease prednisone dose
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this assignment, we will be examining two case studies related to endocrine disorders. The first case study involves a 50-year-old woman with abnormal thyroid function panel results. The second case study focuses on a woman with diabetes mellitus who is experiencing difficulty controlling her blood sugars. For each case, we will analyze the patient’s symptoms, laboratory values, and medical history to arrive at the correct diagnosis and appropriate management plan.
Answer 1:
Based on the laboratory findings provided, Ms. Jefferson is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The elevated TSH and low free T4 levels indicate a primary thyroid dysfunction, specifically hypothyroidism.
Answer 2:
False. The lack of symptoms in hypothyroidism is not uncommon, especially in the early stages. Many patients with mild hypothyroidism may not experience noticeable symptoms or may attribute nonspecific symptoms to other factors.
Answer 3:
Ms. Jefferson’s thyroid disorder is most likely caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies that attack the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and subsequent hypothyroidism.
Answer 4:
Ms. Jefferson should return to have a TSH level done 6 weeks after starting therapy for her thyroid disorder. This follow-up allows for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and adjusting medication dosage if necessary.
Answer 5:
Possible symptoms of Ms. Jefferson’s thyroid disorder include weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance. These symptoms are commonly associated with hypothyroidism. Diarrhea, anxiety, and palpitations are more commonly seen in hyperthyroidism.
Answer 6:
The most likely cause of the patient’s loss of glucose control is the prednisone therapy. Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, can cause insulin resistance and impair glucose metabolism, leading to hyperglycemia.
Answer 7:
The most important action for the patient to learn regarding glucocorticoid therapy is to not stop taking the medication abruptly. Abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids can cause adrenal insufficiency or an adrenal crisis. It is important for the patient to follow a tapering schedule under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
Answer 8:
This patient is at risk of developing Cushing syndrome. Prolonged use of high-dose glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, can lead to excessive cortisol levels in the body, resulting in Cushing syndrome.
Answer 9:
Given this patient’s acute loss of glucose control, insulin as needed per routine sliding scale would be ordered. Sliding scale insulin dosing allows for the adjustment of insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. This approach helps to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range and prevent hyperglycemia.
