7 Hyperthyroidism Nursing Care Plans

Updated on May 5, 2019

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). The most common form is Graves’ disease, but other forms of hyperthyroidism include toxic adenoma, TSH-secreting pituitary tumor, subacute or silent thyroiditis, and some forms of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid storm is a rarely encountered manifestation of hyperthyroidism that can be precipitated by such events as thyroid ablation (surgical or radioiodine), medication overdosage, and trauma. This condition constitutes a medical emergency.

Nursing Care Plans

Nursing care management for patients with hyperthyroidism requires vigilant care to prevent acute exacerbations and complications.

Here are seven (7) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis for patients with hyperthyroidism:

Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements

Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements: Intake of nutrients insufficient to meet metabolic needs.

Risk factors may include

Increased metabolism (increased appetite/intake with loss of weight)
Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea
Relative insulin insufficiency; hyperglycemia

Possibly evidenced by

Not applicable. A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms, as the problem has not occurred and nursing interventions are directed at prevention.

Desired Outcomes

Client will demonstrate stable weight with normal laboratory values and be free of signs of malnutrition.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Monitor daily food intake. Weigh daily and report losses.	Continued weight loss in the face of adequate caloric intake may indicate failure of antithyroid therapy.
Encourage patient to eat and increase the number of meals and snacks. Give or suggest high-calorie foods that are easily digested.	Aids in keeping caloric intake high enough to keep up with the rapid expenditure of calories caused by the hypermetabolic state.
Provide a balanced diet, with six meals per day.	To promote weight gain. Note: If the patient has edema, suggest a low-sodium diet.
Avoid foods that increase peristalsis and fluids that cause diarrhea.	Increased motility of the GI tract may result in diarrhea and impair absorption of needed nutrients.
Consult with a dietitian to provide a diet high in calories, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.	May need assistance to ensure adequate intake of nutrients, identify appropriate supplements.
Administer medications as indicated: glucose, vitamin B complex, insulin (small doses).	Given to meet energy requirements and prevent or correct hypoglycemia. Insulin aids in controlling serum glucose if elevated.