Problem
I. Anna is a 31-year-old female with Graves' disease, it can have a negative impact on both fertility and pregnancy. It is very important for women who are pursuing pregnancy to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment. Prior to pregnancy, Graves' can affect fertility by causing irregular menstrual cycles. Some research shows that the antibodies circulating in autoimmune women reduce both conception and response to fertility treatments.
How do we want to educate Anna on the topic of pregnancy? If she is on medication for treatment of hyperthyroidism, should she become pregnant?
II. Compare and contrast the care of clients with acquired hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease). Gretchen is an 11-year-old who is short in stature but overweight. Keisha is a 31-year-old woman with a TSH level of 12 who wishes to become pregnant. Loretta is a 67-year-old woman with long-standing hypothyroidism. She currently takes levothyroxine once a day. Please include assessments (including diagnostic testing), care measures (including medications), and teaching needed for each client.
Hypothyroidism assessments, care measures and teaching suggestions including information related to age differences when planning care for clients with endocrine conditions.