Page 1417 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Lethargy and fatigue Personality changes such as irritability, agitation, and mood
swings
Weakness, muscle aches, paresthesias Nervousness and fine tremors of the hands
Weakness, muscle aches, paresthesias
Intolerance to cold Heat intolerance
Weight gain Weight loss
Dry skin and hair and loss of body hair Smooth, soft skin and hair
Bradycardia Palpitations, cardiac dysrhythmias, such as tachycardia or
atrial fibrillation
Constipation Diarrhea
Generalized puffiness and edema around the eyes and Protruding eyeballs (exophthalmos) may be present (see Fig.
face (myxedema) 46-3)
Forgetfulness and loss of memory Diaphoresis
Menstrual disturbances Hypertension
Goiter may or may not be present Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Cardiac enlargement, tendency to develop heart failure

Box 46-10

Myxedema Coma

▪ This rare but serious disorder results from persistently low thyroid production.
▪ Coma can be precipitated by acute illness, rapid withdrawal of thyroid
medication, anesthesia and surgery, hypothermia, or the use of sedatives and
opioid analgesics.

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