(b) Radioactive iodine uptake test. This test measures the amount of
radioactive iodine (I131) which the thyroid gland metabolizes. The patient is given
radioactive iodine orally or intravenously. Then, a scintillation camera scans the thyroid
gland and produces a pattern which shows the size of the gland. If the patient is given
radioactive iodine orally, the test will be done twenty-four hours later. Iodine
administered intravenously allows the test to be performed thirty minutes later. There
are no fluid or food restrictions for a patient having this test. Several factors affect the
test results causing the results to be invalid. These factors include:
1 The patient has been taking drugs and estrogens containing
iodine in the last thirty days (adrenocorticosteroids, sulfonamide, contraceptives).
2 The patient has had x-ray studies using iodine containing
media.
3 The patient has eaten a lot of seafood recently.
(c) Thyrotropin test (TSH). This test measure the thyroid gland
response to pituitary hormone stimulus.
2-3.
DISEASES OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS
a. Addison's Disease (Adrenal Hypofunction).
(1) Description. Addison's disease is a condition resulting from
adrenocortical insufficiency; that is, the adrenal gland is not functioning enough. The
adrenal gland has either degenerated or stopped functioning.
(2)
Signs and symptoms. Typical signs and symptoms include:
(a)
Weakness, fatigue, weight loss.
(b) Swollen lymph nodes.
(c)
Conspicuous bronze coloration of light-colored skin.
(d) Dehydration, hypotension, small heart size.
(e)
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
(f)
Nervous and mental irritability.
(g) Faintness after missing meals.
(h) Decreased tolerance to cold and hypometabolism (lowered
metabolism rate).
MD0583
2-5