Hypothyroidism is a condition classified by an under-active thyroid gland- when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. It occurs primarily in women in 30 to 60 years old. If severe hypothyroidism occurs in an infant, it is called cretinism. If it developed in an adult, it is called myxedema. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) with resulting atrophy of glandular tissue. Hypothyroidism also commonly occurs in clients with previous hyperthyroidism that has been treated with radioiodine or antithyroid medications or thyroidectomy.
Nursing Care Plans
The nursing care plan for clients with hypothyroidism includes providing information about disease process/prognosis and therapy needs, guiding the client to meet their nutritional requirement, planning activities with a rest period, and preventing complications.
Here are three (3) nursing care plans (NCP) and nursing diagnosis for patients with hypothyroidism:
Deficient Knowledge
Nursing Diagnosis
May be related to
- Lack of exposure to hypothyroidism.
- New disease process.
- Unfamiliarity with information resources.
Possibly evidenced by
- Limited questioning about hypothyroidism and taking thyroid hormone replacement.
- Verbalization of lack of information about the disease and its management.
Desired Outcomes
- Client and family members will verbalize correct information about hypothyroidism and taking thyroid hormone replacement.
Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
---|---|
Assess the client’s knowledge of hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone replacement therapy. | Client teaching should begin with the current knowledge about the disease and its management. |
Provide information about hypothyroidism. | Clients experiencing hypothyroidism may have impaired memory, confusion, hearing loss, and a decreased attention span. These neurologic changes can hinder with learning new information. Teaching sessions should be planned at times when the client is best able to concentrate. Recalling of information is needed to facilitate learning. Using written information reinforces verbal presentation. |
Educate the client and family regarding thyroid hormones. | Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid) is a manmade thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism. |
| Thyroid hormone should be taken on a regular basis to achieve a hormone balance. |
| The client is initially given a small dose that gradually increases until a euthyroid state is achieved. When the thyroid hormone level increases, the client experiences insomnia and weight loss. |
| The client should report symptoms such as chest pain/palpitations; these happen due to the increased metabolic and oxygen consumption. |
Emphasized the importance of rest periods. | Avoid undue fatigue; As the euthyroid state is achieved, the activity level will eventually increase. |
Encourage the client to follow appointments for blood workups (T3, T4, and TSH levels). | These levels help determine the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy |
Describe the signs and symptoms of over- and underdosage of the medications. | This will serve as a check for the client to determine if the therapeutic levels are met. |
Encourage the client to have medical identification about hormone therapy and to inform all health care provider. | Medical identification provides other health care providers with information to guide decisions about care. Levothyroxine is highly protein bound in circulation. This drug characteristic contributes to many drug interactions. The client needs to notify all health care providers about taking this drug. |
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
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