The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Which of the following can the nurse expect?

Explanation

• Normal thyroid function: T4 5-12 ug/dl, T3 65-195 ng/dl, TSH 0.3-5.4 uIU/ml

• In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is elevated and T4 and T3 are depressed. This is because the thyroid gland is attacked, reducing the excretion of T4 and T3. The negative feedback loop stimulates the excretion of TSH in order to increase T4 and T3 excretion.

• With hypothyroidism, T3 and TSH are elevated while T4 is depressed.

• With hyperthyroidism, T4 and T3 are elevated while TSH is reduced.

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