Diagnosis
- Examination of thyroid symptom and signs
- Assessment of T3 and T4 levels
- Low TSH level
Long-term effects related to the problem
Untreated hyperthyroidism leads to the overproduction of T3 and
T4 hormone levels. A large amount of thyroid hormone results in
thyroid storm.
Disease prevention
- Maintaining adequate thyroid level by following proper
therapy
- Treating the underlying cause
- Exercise
- Stress reduction
- Adequate diet consumption
Risk factors
- Autoimmune diseases
- Thyroid nodules
- Excessive iodine consumption
- Patient with untreated hyperthyroidism
Expected findings
- Lagging eye movements
- Hair thinning
- Dyspnoea
- Tachycardia
Safety
- Caution should be taken especially in the case of pregnant
women.
- Older adults can develop arterial fibrillation so precautions
should be followed.
Laboratory test
- T3
- T4
- TSH level
- Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins
- Antibodies of the thyrotropin receptors
Diagnostic procedure
- ECG
- USG
- Radioactive iodine uptake
Nursing care
- Assist in daily activities and minimizing energy
expenditure
- Monitoring the nutritional status and subsequently the daily
weight
- Providing a stress-free environment
- Administering regular medications
Therapeutic procedures
Radioactive uptake test or surgical extraction of the thyroid
gland is the treatment procedure.
Medication
- Beta-blocker
- Potassium iodide
- Glucocorticoid
- Propylthiouracil
Client education
- Asses for the iodine allergy
- Radioactive iodine should be taken 24 hours prior.
- Educating the clients about a protein-rich diet.
Interprofessional care
- Radiotherapist should instruct the patient before and after the
procedure
- The patient should be thoroughly examined by the physician
before the procedure
- The nurse should carefully monitor the client before and after
the procedure
Complications
- Arterial fibrillation
- Osteoporosis
- Heart failure