nurse is caring for a patient with new diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. what should report to provider

by Mervin Mohr 8 min read

Hyperthyroidism Nursing Diagnosis and Nursing Care Plan

28 hours ago Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements related to metabolic imbalance secondary to hyperthyroidism as evidenced by weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperglycemia . Desired Outcome: The patient will be free for signs of malnutrition as evidenced by stable weight gain, increased appetite, and ... >> Go To The Portal


COMPLICATIONS. Have the patient report any signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis immediately: rapid heart rate, palpitations, perspiration, shakiness, tremors, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting. Teach the patient to report increased neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss.

Full Answer

What should the nurse discuss with the 68-year-old client diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?

The 68-year-old client diagnosed with hyperthyroidism is being treated with radio active iodine therapy. Which interventions should the nurse discuss with the client? 1. Explain it will take up to a month for symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside. 2. Teach the iodine therapy will have to be tapered slowly over one (1) week.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed and treated in nursing?

A client is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and is treated with I-131. Before discharge the nurse teaches the client to observe for signs and symptoms of therapy-induced hypothyroidism.

When should a patient with hyperthyroidism be informed of hypothyroidism?

A patient who has been treated for hyperthyroidism should be informed of the possibility of hypothyroidism developing, which can happen right after therapy or up to 5 years later.

What does a female patient newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism indicate?

A female patient newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism indicates that she no longer participates in evening social activities stating, "There is too much walking, and I prefer to go to bed early. I see enough of my friends at work every day." The nurse formulates which priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?" a.

What should I monitor for hyperthyroidism?

Blood tests that measure thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can confirm the diagnosis. High levels of thyroxine and low or nonexistent amounts of TSH indicate an overactive thyroid. The amount of TSH is important because it's the hormone that signals your thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine.

What are the nursing interventions for a patient with hyperthyroidism?

Nursing InterventionsProvide adequate rest.Administer sedatives as prescribed.Provide a cool and quiet environment.Obtain weight daily.Provide a high-calorie diet.Avoid the administration of stimulants.Administer antithyroid medications (propylthiouracil [PTU]) that block thyroid synthesis, as prescribed.More items...

Which clinical findings would the nurse expect to find when caring for a client with hyperthyroidism?

Common symptoms that a patient may report include unintentional weight loss despite unchanged oral intake, palpitations, diarrhea or increased frequency of bowel movements, heat intolerance, diaphoresis, and/or menstrual irregularities.

Which nursing diagnosis is for a patient with hyperthyroidism?

7 Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plans. By Matt Vera, BSN, R.N. Hyperthyroidism, also known as Grave's disease, Basedow's disease, or thyrotoxicosis is a metabolic imbalance that results from overproduction of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

How do you care for a hyperthyroid patient?

How can you care for yourself at home?Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. ... Graves' disease can make your eyes sore. ... Make sure you get enough calcium. ... If you need to gain weight, ask your doctor about special diets.Do not eat kelp. ... Do not use caffeine and other stimulants. ... Do not smoke. ... Lower your stress.More items...

What is the medical management of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones can be treated with antithyroid medications (methimazole and propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine ablation of the thyroid gland, or surgical thyroidectomy. Radioactive iodine ablation is the most widely used treatment in the United States.

Which clinical indicators are consistent with the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism?

The classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heat intolerance, tremor, palpitations, anxiety, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, increased frequency of bowel movements, and shortness of breath. Goiter is commonly found on physical examination.

What are the complications of hyperthyroidism?

What are the complications of hyperthyroidism?an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related problems.an eye disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy.thinning bones, osteoporosis link, and muscle problems.menstrual cycle and fertility issues.

What are 3 symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

SymptomsUnintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase.Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute.Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)Pounding of your heart (palpitations)Increased appetite.Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.More items...•

Which nursing intervention would be included in the plan of care for a patient with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism?

Nursing interventions for a patient with hypothyroidism include the following: Promote rest. Space activities to promote rest and exercise as tolerated. Protect against coldness.

What is a nursing diagnosis for hypothyroidism?

Nursing Diagnosis: Activity Intolerance related to fatigue and reduced cognitive function secondary to hypothyroidism, as evidenced by inability to perform daily activities, muscle weakness and inability to sleep. Desired Outcomes: The patient will be able to participate in physical activities.

What happens after a thyroidectomy?

b. Thyroid crisis usually occurs in the first 12 hours after thyroidectomy and causes exaggerated signs of hyperthyroid ism, such as high fever, tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. Diabetic ketoacidosis is more likely to produce polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia; hypoglycemia, to produce weakness, tremors, profuse perspiration, and hunger. Tetany typically causes uncontrollable muscle spasms, stridor, cyanosis, and possibly asphyxia.

What is levothyroxine used for?

c. Tachycardia; Levothyroxine a synthetic thyroid hormone, is given to a client with hypothyroidism to simulate the effects of thyroxine. Adverse effects of this agent include tachycardia. The other options aren't associated with levothyroxine.

What causes puffiness on the face and hands?

b. Puffiness of the face and hands; Hypothyroidism (myxedema) causes facial puffiness, extremity edema, and weight gain. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) include an increased appetite, weight loss, nervousness, tremors, and thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).

What is risk for imbalanced nutrition?

a. Risk for imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements related to thyroid hormone excess

What is a female adult patient with a history of chronic hyperparathyroidism?

A female adult patient with a history of chronic hyperparathyroidism admits to being noncompliant. Based on initial assessment findings, the nurse formulates the nursing diagnosis Risk for Injury. To complete the nursing diagnosis statement for this patient, which "related-to" phrase should the nurse add?

What are the physical and lab findings of a female patient with a history of hypothyroidism?

Physical and lab findings reveal hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and non-pitting edema of the face and pretibial area. Knowing that these findings suggest severe hypothyroidism, the nurse prepares to take emergency action to prevent the potential complication of which of the following?

Can hypothyroidism cause edema?

c. Myxedema coma; Severe hypothyroidism may result in myxedema coma, in which a drastic drop in the metabolic rate causes decreased vital signs, hypoventilation (possibly leading to respiratory acidosis), and nonpitting edema. Thyroid storm is an acute complication of hyperthyroidism. Cretinism is a form of hypothyroidism that occurs in infants. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland in which autoimmune factors play a prominent role.

How does hypothyroidism affect the body?

The clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism are the result of decreased metabolism from low levels of thyroid hormone. Interventions are aimed at replacement of the hormone and providing measures to support the signs and symptoms related to decreased metabolism. The client often has cold intolerance and requires a warm environment. The nurse encourages the client to consume a well-balanced diet that is low in fat for weight reduction and high in fluids and high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. Iodine preparations may be used to treat hyperthyroidism. Iodine preparations decrease blood flow through the thyroid gland and reduce the production and release of thyroid hormone; they are not used to treat hypothyroidism. The client is instructed to notify the PHCP if chest pain occurs because it could be an indication of overreplacement of thyroid hormone.

What happens after a thyroidectomy?

After a thyroidectomy, thyroxine output usually is inadequate to maintain an appropriate metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism is decreased thyroid functioning, not a slowing of functions of the entire body. With hypothyroidism, the level of TSH from the pituitary usually is increased.

Why does my thyroid cause fatigue?

Fatigue is caused by a decreased metabolic rate associated with hypothyroidism. Dry skin most likely is caused by decreased glandular function associated with hypothyroidism. Progressive weight gain is associated with hypothyroidism in response to a decrease in the metabolic rate because of insufficient thyroid hormone. Insomnia is associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism, in response to an increase in the metabolic rate because of excessive thyroid hormone. Intolerance to heat is associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism, in response to an increase in the metabolic rate because of excessive thyroid hormone.

What is a coma with low thyroid?

Myxedema coma is a rare but serious disorder that results from persistently low thyroid production. Coma can be precipitated by acute illness, rapid withdrawal of thyroid medication, anesthesia and surgery, hypothermia, and the use of sedatives and opioid analgesics.

What is levothyroxine prescribed for?

Levothyroxine is prescribed for a client diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Upon review of the client's record, the nurse notes that the client is taking warfarin. Which modification to the plan of care should the nurse review with the client's primary health care provider?

Why does my skin feel cool?

Cool skin is related to the decreased metabolic rate associated with insufficient thyroid hormone. Constipation results from a decrease in peristalsis related to the reduction in the metabolic rate associated with hypothyroidism.

What is the psychological manifestation of a person with hyperthyroidism?

Lability of mood is a psychological/emotional manifestation related to excess thyroid hormones. Dyspnea with or without exertion can occur as the body attempts to meet oxygen demands related to the increased metabolic rate associated with hyperthyroidism. Hyperactive reflexes are a neurologic manifestation related to excessive production of thyroid hormones. Abdominal distention is associated with hypothyroidism; it is related to constipation and weight gain. Bowel sounds increase, not decrease, as a result of hyperperistalsis associated with the elevated metabolic rate. Hypoactive bowel sounds are related to hypothyroidism.