Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plans Diagnosis and InterventionsHyperthyroidism NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans Show
The thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland at the bottom of the neck, above the collarbone that produces hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism, also known as hyperactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can cause unexpected weight loss and a quick or irregular heartbeat by speeding up the body’s metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. Anti-thyroid medicines and radioactive iodine are used to reduce thyroid hormone production. Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland is sometimes used to treat hyperthyroidism. Although untreated hyperthyroidism can be dangerous, most people do well if it is diagnosed and treated. Signs and Symptoms of HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism can be similar to other healthcare problems, making it harder to be diagnosed. It can also result in a wide range of signs and symptoms, such as:
It is more common in older adults to exhibit subtle symptoms such as a faster heart rate, sensitivity to warm temperatures, and a tendency to become more tired after performing daily activities. Hyperthyroidism symptoms might be masked by certain medications. It’s difficult to tell if a patient has hyperthyroidism if they are taking beta-blockers for high blood pressure or another illness.
The following are signs and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease:
Causes of HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of conditions, including Graves’ disease, Plummer’s disease, and thyroiditis. Too much thyroxine can be caused by a variety of factors, the thyroid normally generates the appropriate quantity of hormones, but it can occasionally create too much T4. This could happen for a variety of reasons, including: 1. Grave’s Disease. It is a chronic illness that affects people of all ages. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune illness in which the immune system’s antibodies cause the thyroid to produce excessive amounts of T4. Hyperthyroidism is most commonly caused by this condition. 2. Thyroid nodules. This can be toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, or Plummer’s disease. It is when one or more thyroid adenomas produce too much T4, this type of hyperthyroidism develops. An adenoma is a portion of the thyroid gland that has walled itself off from the rest of the gland, resulting in noncancerous (benign) lumps that can cause thyroid enlargement. 3. Thyroiditis. This is an infection or an immune system disorder can cause the thyroid to swell and leak hormones into the bloodstream. In this condition, the thyroid is swollen for no apparent reason. This is often followed by hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones. These conditions are usually temporary. Thyroiditis can happen:
Risk Factors for HyperthyroidismRisk factors for hyperthyroidism include:
The following tests are used to determine if there is hyperthyroidism: 1. Medical History and Physical Assessment- the healthcare provider may look for a tiny tremor in the fingers when they’re stretched, overactive reflexes, eye changes, and warm, wet skin during the exam. The healthcare provider will also inspect the thyroid gland when swallowing to see whether it is swollen, lumpy, or sensitive, as well as check the pulse for quick or irregular beats. 2. Blood Tests – Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine blood tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis. An overactive thyroid is indicated by high thyroxine levels and low or nonexistent TSH values. Because TSH is the hormone that tells the thyroid gland to generate more thyroxine, the amount of TSH is crucial. These tests are especially important for older adults who may not have classic hyperthyroidism symptoms.
If blood tests reveal hyperthyroidism, it is advised to undergo one of the tests below to identify why the thyroid is overactive: 3. Radioiodine uptake test – For this test, a modest amount of radioactive iodine (radioiodine) will be orally ingested to see how much collects in the thyroid gland. To discover how much iodine the thyroid has absorbed, an assessment will be performed after four, six, or 24 hours — and sometimes all three. A high radioiodine uptake implies that the thyroid gland is overproducing thyroxine. Graves’ illness or hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules are the most likely causes. If hyperthyroidism is present and the patient has a low radioiodine absorption, it means that the thyroxine stored in the thyroid gland is leaking into the bloodstream. 4. Thyroid scan – A radioactive isotope will be injected into a vein on the inside of the elbow or, in some cases, in the vein of the hand. After that, the patient will lie down on a table with the head stretched backward while a unique camera displays an image of the thyroid gland on a computer screen. This test demonstrates how iodine accumulates in the thyroid. 5. Thyroid ultrasound – The thyroid is imaged using high-frequency sound waves in this test. Ultrasound may be more effective than other tests at detecting thyroid nodules, and there is no radiation involved. Treatment for HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism can be treated in a variety of ways. The optimal treatment depends on the patient’s age, physical condition, underlying cause, personal preference, and the severity of the disorder. Treatment options include: 1. Radioactive iodine– it is taken by mouth and absorbed by the thyroid gland, causing it to shrink. Symptoms normally go away after a few months. Excess radioactive iodine is excreted from the body in weeks to months. 2. Anti-thyroid medications– These drugs work by preventing the thyroid gland from generating too many hormones and thereby reducing hyperthyroidism symptoms. Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks to months, although anti-thyroid medication treatment often lasts at least a year or longer. 3. Beta-blockers– these are types of medications that are often used to treat high blood pressure and have no effect on thyroid levels, However, they can help with hyperthyroidism symptoms like tremors, rapid heart rate, and palpitations. 4. Surgical procedures (thyroidectomy)– Thyroid surgery may be an option if the patient is pregnant or otherwise unable to tolerate anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine therapy. In a thyroidectomy, the surgeon removes the majority of the thyroid gland. The vocal cords and parathyroid glands, damage to the vocal cords and parathyroid glands are at risk from this procedure. Lifestyle Modification 1. Low-iodine Diet– Once treatment for Hyperthyroidism has begun, the symptoms should start to subside. However, it is recommended to manage Hyperthyroidism with a healthy diet avoid the following:
2. Exercise- Exercise in general will boost the mood and improve muscle tone, as well as the cardiovascular system. Graves’ disease patients should engage in weight-bearing exercise to help maintain bone density. Exercising can also help reduce appetite and regain energy. 3. Relaxation Techniques– Many relaxation techniques, especially when dealing with illness, can help retain a positive outlook. Stress is known to be a risk factor in Graves’ disease, so learning to relax and create balance will help to preserve physical and emotional health. Nursing Diagnosis for HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plan 1Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output related to increased cardiac workload, changes in venous return and systemic vascular resistance and alterations in rate, rhythm, conduction, secondary to hyperthyroidism. Desired Outcome: The patient will be able to maintain an adequate cardiac output, as evidenced by stable vital signs, normal capillary refill, palpable peripheral pulses, good mentation, and absence of dysrhythmias.
Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plan 2Fatigue Nursing Diagnosis: Fatigue related to hypermetabolic state with increased energy requirements and irritability of central nervous system with altered body chemistry, secondary to hyperthyroidism, as evidenced by reduced performance due to an excessive lack of energy to keep up with the daily routine, nervousness, tension, and irritability, and impaired ability to concentrate. Desired Outcomes:
Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plan 3Anxiety Nursing Diagnosis: Anxiety related to central nervous system overstimulation secondary to hyperthyroidism, as evidenced by increased feelings of apprehension, loss of control, panic, changes in cognition, extraneous movements, tremor, and restlessness. Desired Outcomes:
Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plan 4Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements 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 normal laboratory values.
Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plan 5Deficient Knowledge Nursing Diagnosis: Deficient Knowledge related to lack of awareness or recall, misinterpretation of the given information, and unawareness of available information sources secondary to hyperthyroidism, as evidenced by questions and requests for additional information, assertions of misunderstanding, and development of avoidable complications. Desired Outcomes:
Nursing ReferencesAckley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2018). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon Disclaimer:Please follow your facilities guidelines, policies, and procedures. The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is intended to be nursing education and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. What is nursing intervention for hyperthyroidism?Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plan 1. What is the treatment plan for hyperthyroidism?Medicines called thionamides are commonly used to treat an overactive thyroid. They stop your thyroid producing excess hormones. The main types used are carbimazole and propylthiouracil. You'll usually need to take the medicine for 1 to 2 months before you notice any benefit.
What is the most important nursing intervention for a client with 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 are 3 treatments for hyperthyroidism?Possible treatments include:. Radioactive iodine. Taken by mouth, radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland, where it causes the gland to shrink. ... . Anti-thyroid medications. ... . Beta blockers. ... . Surgery (thyroidectomy).. |