What is the nursing care plan for hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive and does produce enough hormones. The thyroid is a small gland at the front of the neck that resembles a butterfly. Thyroid hormones regulate how the body uses energy, which impacts almost every organ in the body, including how quickly the heart beats. 

People with hypothyroidism can be of any age, gender, or nationality. It is most prevalent in women over 60 years of age. After menopause, women are typically more likely to acquire hypothyroidism than earlier in life.

There are primary and secondary causes of hypothyroidism.

Primary causes directly affect the thyroid and cause it to produce insufficient thyroid hormones. 

Examples: 

• An autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s disease (the most common condition wherein the thyroid attacks its immune system)
• Inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis)
• Radiation treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid due to hyperthyroidism
• Iodine deficiency 
• Hereditary conditions 

Secondary causes prevent the pituitary gland from functioning correctly, which prevents it from sending thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid.

Early on in its development, hypothyroidism may not show any apparent signs. A range of health issues, including obesity, joint discomfort, infertility, and heart disease can develop over time due to untreated hypothyroidism.

It is possible to identify hypothyroidism using thyroid function tests. Once the provider determines the correct dose, using synthetic thyroid hormone is typically easy, safe, and effective.

The Nursing Process

Levothyroxine monotherapy is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism. Ongoing evaluation of thyroid hormone levels may be required when adjusting the medication.

Watch for complications such as myxedema coma when caring for a patient with hypothyroidism treatment. Health teaching should focus on adopting lifetime treatment of hypothyroidism. Treatment adherence should improve the patient’s signs and symptoms and normalize thyroid hormone levels.

Nursing Care Plans Related to Hypothyroidism

Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements

Risk for imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements associated with hypothyroidism can be caused by a thyroid hormone deficiency resulting in slow metabolism.

Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition

Related to:

• Slow metabolism
• Thyroid hormone deficiency 
• Inability to secrete thyroid hormone
• Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 
• Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
• Radiation therapy on the head and neck
• Medications that decrease thyroid hormone
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Decreased iodine levels

As evidenced by:

A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not yet occurred. Interventions are aimed at prevention.

Expected outcomes:

• Patient will be able to verbalize understanding of how to adjust nutrition in relation to hypothyroidism
• Patient will create an appropriate plan of meals based on the recommended nutrition guidelines for hypothyroidism

Risk for imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements Assessment

1. Determine the patient’s risk factors.
Risk factors related to hypothyroidism include the following:

• Female gender
• Age 60 years and older
• Family history of thyroid disorder
• Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
• Radiation therapy on the head and neck
• Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Medications that can decrease thyroid hormone
• Pregnancy or postpartum for six months
• Decreased iodine levels/intake

2. Monitor weight.
Gaining weight in the range of 5-10 pounds is common with an underactive thyroid.

3. Assess the patient for constipation.
Hypothyroidism causes slow metabolism which can lead to constipation.

Risk for imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements Interventions

1. Set nutritional goals with the patient.
If the patient is involved in developing a nutritional plan that fits their lifestyle, they are more likely to adhere to it.

2. Collaborate with a dietitian.
Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism (uncommon in first-world countries) but iodine supplements are not necessary if taking levothyroxine. A dietitian will create a nutritional meal plan together with the patient and educate them on the iodine intake necessary to balance the thyroid hormone levels.

3. Administer thyroid replacement in relation to diet.
Levothyroxine should not be taken with foods containing iron, calcium, or fiber as they can decrease the absorption of the medication.

4. A special diet isn’t necessary.
A well-balanced diet and plenty of water are enough. A specific diet will not treat or prevent hypothyroidism.

Fatigue

Fatigue associated with hypothyroidism can be caused by low metabolic energy production resulting in a lack of energy.

Nursing Diagnosis: Fatigue

Related to:

• Slow metabolism
• Thyroid hormone deficiency 
• Inability to secrete thyroid hormone
• Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 
• Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
• Radiation therapy to the head and neck
• Myxedema (severe decrease in thyroid hormone)
• Medications that decrease thyroid hormone
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Decreased iodine levels

As evidenced by:

• Verbalization of lack of energy
• Inability to maintain activities of daily living
• Impaired concentration
• Irritability
• Increased physical complaints

Expected outcomes:

• Patient will be able to verbalize an increase in energy
• Patient will be able to complete ADLs and work/school responsibilities

Fatigue Assessment

1. Assess the patient’s physical and psychological condition.
A decrease in physical and mental activity is a common sign of hypothyroidism.

2. Assess the effect on activities.
It may be more challenging to carry out activities due to hypothyroidism’s effect on the body’s ability to regulate mood, energy, heart rate, and temperature.

3. Monitor sleep patterns.
Hypothyroidism can disrupt sleep and cause insomnia. This exacerbates feelings of fatigue and causes excessive daytime sleepiness.

Fatigue Interventions

1. Take medication as prescribed.
Levothyroxine is effective at diminishing the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The medication should be taken at the same time each day, usually first thing in the morning before eating.

2. Plan activities.
Consider scheduling more complex tasks when patients have the most energy. Advise them to pace themselves and schedule adequate time for rest and sleep.

3. Keep a sleep log.
Keep a sleep journal to monitor bedtime habits, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and naps. This can help the provider monitor treatment effectiveness and recommend other interventions.

4. Recommend exercise.
Exercising when feeling fatigued may seem counterproductive. Moderate exercise is still recommended and will help boost energy during the day.

5. Watch caffeine and alcohol.
Caffeine products can worsen fatigue, especially if taken in the afternoon as they disrupt sleep. Excessive alcohol also disrupts quality sleep.

Deficient Knowledge

Deficient knowledge associated with hypothyroidism is related to insufficient knowledge of the condition and its signs and symptoms. Hypothyroidism is a lifetime condition requiring lifelong medication intake and management.

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