Graves disease
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Autoimmune / GeneticEndocrineEye / Earhigh priorityneeds review
Graves disease
Also testable as: Autoimmune hyperthyroidism
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Autoantibodies stimulate the TSH receptor, increasing thyroid hormone production.
- Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolic rate and sympathetic sensitivity; eye involvement can occur.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antithyroid medications | Reduces thyroid hormone synthesis in many treatment plans. |
| Beta blockers | Can reduce tachycardia/tremor symptoms when ordered. |
Nursing actions
- Assess heart rate, temperature, weight loss, tremor, anxiety, diarrhea, eye symptoms, and thyroid storm signs.
- Teach antithyroid medication adverse effects such as fever/sore throat reporting.
- Protect eyes if exophthalmos is present and prepare thyroid storm emergency response for severe hypermetabolic findings.
Complications
- Thyroid storm
- Dysrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Corneal injury
NCLEX cues
- Heat intolerance, weight loss, tachycardia, tremor.
- Fever with sore throat on antithyroid meds is urgent.
- Thyroid storm is life-threatening.
Memory hooks
- Graves speeds everything up.
Labs / Diagnostics
- TSH/free T4/T3
- Thyroid antibodies
- ECG if tachycardic
- Eye assessment
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.