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 Decreased Cardiac Output
- Fatigue
- Risk for Disturbed Thought Processes
- Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
- Anxiety
- Risk for Impaired Tissue Integrity
- Deficient Knowledge
- Other Possible Nursing Care Plans
Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
Nursing Diagnosis
- Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
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. |
Recommended Resources
Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and resources.
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- Nursing Care Plans: Nursing Diagnosis and Intervention (10th Edition)
An awesome book to help you create and customize effective nursing care plans. We highly recommend this book for its completeness and ease of use. - Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions and Rationales
A quick-reference tool to easily select the appropriate nursing diagnosis to plan your patient’s care effectively. - NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification, 2021-2023Â (12th Edition)
The official and definitive guide to nursing diagnoses as reviewed and approved by the NANDA-I. This book focuses on the nursing diagnostic labels, their defining characteristics, and risk factors – this does not include nursing interventions and rationales. - Nursing Diagnosis Handbook, 12th Edition Revised Reprint with 2021-2023 NANDA-I® Updates
Another great nursing care plan resource that is updated to include the recent NANDA-I updates. - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(TM))
Useful for creating nursing care plans related to mental health and psychiatric nursing. - Ulrich & Canale’s Nursing Care Planning Guides, 8th Edition
Claims to have the most in-depth care plans of any nursing care planning book. Includes 31 detailed nursing diagnosis care plans and 63 disease/disorder care plans. - Maternal Newborn Nursing Care Plans (3rd Edition)
If you’re looking for specific care plans related to maternal and newborn nursing care, this book is for you. - Nursing Diagnosis Manual: Planning, Individualizing, and Documenting Client Care (7th Edition)
An easy-to-use nursing care plan book that is updated with the latest diagnosis from NANDA-I 2021-2023. - All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health (5th Edition)
Definitely an all-in-one resources for nursing care planning. It has over 100 care plans for different nursing topics.
See also
Other recommended site resources for this nursing care plan:
- Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database
Over 150+ nursing care plans for different diseases and conditions. Includes our easy-to-follow guide on how to create nursing care plans from scratch. - Nursing Diagnosis Guide and List: All You Need to Know to Master Diagnosing
Our comprehensive guide on how to create and write diagnostic labels. Includes detailed nursing care plan guides for common nursing diagnostic labels.
Other nursing care plans related to endocrine system and metabolism disorders:
- Acid-Base Balance
- – Respiratory Acidosis Nursing Care Plan
- – Respiratory Alkalosis Nursing Care Plan
- – Metabolic Acidosis Nursing Care Plan
- – Metabolic Alkalosis Nursing Care Plan
- Addison’s Disease | 3 Care Plans
- Cushing’s Disease | 6 Care Plans
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (Juvenile Diabetes) | 4 Care Plans
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2Â | 17 Care Plans
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)Â | 4 Care Plans
- Eating Disorders: Anorexia & Bulimia Nervosa | 7 Care Plans
- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances | 10 Care Plans
- – Fluid Balance: Hypervolemia & Hypovolemia
- – Potassium (K) Imbalances: Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia
- – Sodium (Na) Imbalances: Hypernatremia and Hyponatremia
- – Magnesium (Mg) Imbalances: Hypermagnesemia and Hypomagnesemia
- – Calcium (Ca) Imbalances: Hypercalcemia and Hypocalcemia
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus | 4 Care Plans
- Hyperthyroidism | 7 Care Plans
- Hypothyroidism | 3 Care Plans
- Obesity | 4 Care Plans
- Thyroidectomy | 5 Care Plans
Nyc
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This content has really improved my knowledge about hyperthyroidism. Thank you so much