Key Terms
Contains
Muscles, cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), blood vessels, thyroid gland, lymph nodes
Location
Front of neck, below the Adam's apple; butterfly-shaped
Structure
Two lobes connected by the isthmus; composed of follicles containing thyroid cells Hormones produced: thyroxine (T4) and
CULTURAL CONTEXT
In many Asian cultures, the head is considered sacred. Always ask permission before touching a patient's head.
Validate by
Repeating assessment, asking clarifying questions, comparing subjective to objective data.
Example discrepancy requiring further assessment
Patient reports no headache but is holding their head with eyes squinted.
Symptoms
Fever, weakness, fatigue, cough, congestion, postnasal drip
Diagnosis
Rule out stroke or brain tumor; no specific lab test; EMG for nerve damage severity; MRI or CT for structural causes; bl
Treatment
Antibiotics, decongestants, pain relievers
Emergency response
Check responsiveness and breathing; call emergency help if unconscious or difficulty breathing; apply gentle pressure to
Cause
Insufficient iodine intake → thyroid cannot produce enough hormones → increased thyroid-stimulating hormone → thyroid gr
Signs/symptoms
Weight gain, round face, increased neck fat, fatty hump between shoulders, thin arms/legs, muscle weakness/atrophy, easy
Cortisol produced by
Adrenal glands (on top of each kidney)
Type
Chronic autoimmune disorder; excess collagen production causes skin and connective tissue to thicken, harden, and tighte
Risk factors
First-degree relative with scleroderma (not inheritable but higher risk); women more affected than men; abnormal immune/