Western Governors University (WGU) NURS5204 D027 Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations Practice Exam

Hashimoto's disease is characterized as an autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and impaired production of thyroid hormones. This autoimmune response is primarily due to the presence of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin, which are crucial in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. As the thyroid becomes more damaged, it produces less hormone, resulting in the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

Graves' disease, in contrast, is associated with hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism, as it involves the overproduction of thyroid hormones due to stimulating antibodies that activate the thyroid gland. Cushing's syndrome relates to excess cortisol production and affects the adrenal glands, while Addison's disease is characterized by the insufficient production of adrenal hormones due to autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands. Thus, these conditions do not pertain to the autoimmune hypothyroidism specifically associated with Hashimoto's disease.