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Thyroidectomy Case Studies

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Medical History
A 49-year-old female client, CP, visited the health care clinic for possible diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Upon admission the nurse noticed C.P. wide eye appearance, slightly enlarged thyroid gland and swelling in the legs. CP age and gender places her at risk for a thyroid problem and she had lab work done. According to her lab work her T3 and T4 levels were increased while her TSH levels were decreased. Her lab value confirmed that she has hyperthyroidism and was prescribed pharmacotherapy by her health care provider. She was taking Propylthiouracil (PTU) 150 mg every 8 hours PO and Propranolol (Inderal) 20 mg PO Q.I.D. After some months her lab values were taken again and she still had elevated T3 and T4 levels.
Her healthcare provider then suggested a subtotal thyroidectomy which is the removal of almost all of the thyroid gland. Both patient and doctor agree that this would be the best outcome. CP needs some education about her thyroidectomy and the possible complications. CP will be educated on are identifying the signs of hypocalcemia and the possibility of respiratory complications since CP shows some concern about not being able to breath after surgery. The signs of hypocalcemia may be a potential risk factor for readmission. CP will …show more content…

To begin, the team should discuss the possible signs of hypocalcemia; this is because when removing the thyroid gland the parathyroid gland is also being removed. The parathyroid gland is responsible for the production on calcium. The symptoms of hypocalcemia are positive signs of Chvostek’s or Trousseau’s, tetany, muscle cramps, tingling sensation of the hands and feet as well as facial numbness (Lee et al., 2015). If CP were to show positive signs of hypocalcemia she would need to take her prescribed medication of calcium gluconate and to call her health care provider

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