Registered Nurse (RN) Endocrine Licensure Exam

What is correct regarding Grave's Disease?

1. It is caused by independently functioning nodular goiters

2. It is a complication of untreated hypothyroidism

3. It is an autoimmune condition with TSI production

4. Patients do not present with a goiter or protruding eyes

The correct answer is: It is an autoimmune condition with TSI production

Grave's Disease is recognized as an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. The presence of TSI is a hallmark of the disease, as it imitates the action of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland but without the regulatory feedback system. This results in an overactive thyroid and the array of symptoms commonly seen in hyperthyroidism, including increased metabolism, weight loss, and sometimes goiter and ocular manifestations. The autoimmune nature of Graves' disease differentiates it from other conditions that may cause hyperthyroidism, emphasizing the role of the immune system in its pathophysiology. Typically, patients with Graves' disease do present with signs such as goiter (an enlarged thyroid) and may even exhibit Graves' ophthalmopathy, which includes protruding eyes due to the swelling of tissues around the orbits. Understanding these characteristics helps clarify the nature of Graves' Disease and its impact on patient health. The association with TSI production is critical in both diagnosis and management, distinguishing it from other thyroid-related disorders.