3 Hypothyroidism Nursing Care Plans

By
Paul Martin, BSN, R.N.
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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:

  1. Imbalanced Nutrition: More Than Body Requirements
  2. Deficient Knowledge
  3. Fatigue

3. Fatigue

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Fatigue

Nursing Diagnosis

  • Fatigue

May be related to

  • Impaired metabolic state.

Possibly evidenced by

  • Lethargic or listless.
  • Compromise concentration.
  • Increased rest requirements.
  • Unable to complete the desired activities.
  • Verbalizes overwhelming lack of energy.

Desired Outcomes

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  • Client will identify the basis of fatigue and individual areas of control.
  • Client will verbalize a reduction of fatigue and increased the ability to complete desired activities.
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Assess the client’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). The client may experience fatigue with minimal exertion due to a slow metabolic rate. This symptom hinder the client’s ability to perform daily activities (e.g., self-care, eating)
Note daily energy patterns. This will help in determining the pattern/timing of activity.
Assess the client’s energy level and muscle strength and muscle tone. A slow metabolism can result in decreased energy levels. The muscle may be weaker and joints stiffer due to mucin deposits in joints and interstitial spaces. This type of cellular edema may contribute to delayed muscle contraction and relaxation. The client may report generalized weakness and muscle pain.
Plan care to allow individually adequate rest periods. Schedule activities for periods when the client has the most energy. This will ensure maximize participation.
Provide stimulation through conversation and nonstressful activities. Promotes interest without putting too much stress to the client.
Promote an environment conducive to relieve fatigue. The client with hypothyroidism often complains of being cold even in a warm environment.

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3. Fatigue

See Also

You may also like the following posts and care plans:

Endocrine and Metabolic Care Plans

Nursing care plans related to the endocrine system and metabolism:

Paul Martin, BSN, R.N.
Paul Martin is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing since 2007. Having worked as a medical-surgical nurse for five years, he handled different kinds of patients and learned how to provide individualized care to them. Now, his experiences working in the hospital is carried over to his writings to help aspiring students achieve their goals. He is currently working as a nursing instructor and have a particular interest in nursing management, emergency care, critical care, infection control, and public health. As a writer at Nurseslabs, his goal is to impart his clinical knowledge and skills to students and nurses helping them become the best version of themselves and ultimately make an impact in uplifting the nursing profession.

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