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Valarie Harris

Nurse Study Review: Hypothyroidism

Updated: Oct 16


nurse care plan for hypothyroidism

When it comes to answering questions correctly on our free nurse test bank, Hypothyroidism is a disease that needs to be learned by future nurses.


In this post, you will learn how to create a nurse care plan for hypothyroidism by learning the following: causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, nursing management, medications and care plans.


Hypothyroidism is an endocrine condition characterized by an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone due to the thyroid gland's inability to produce optimal thyroid hormone levels. The inadequate levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream impact the body's functioning by slowing down the metabolism, resulting in weight gain and fatigue. Though the symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages of the disease, when diagnosed, it should be managed immediately, if not treated, it can lead to other health conditions. 




Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism has various causes, including


  • Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland may occur due to a viral infection or an autoimmune attack. 


  • Congenital hypothyroidism:  Hypothyroidism has been present since birth due to the absence of a thyroid gland or a dysfunctional thyroid gland. 


  • Medications: Hypothyroidism may be caused by the use of various medications, such as lithium, used to treat psychotic disorders. Certain medications used for cancer, such as thalidomide, or medicines for treating heart conditions, such as amiodarone, may also cause hypothyroidism. 


  • Autonomic diseases: An autoimmune disorder i.e., Hashimoto’s disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In this disease, the immune system, which functions to fight against harmful substances, attacks the thyroid gland by considering it as a foreign body. 


  • Previous thyroid treatment: If the patient has undergone the treatment of the thyroid gland previously, such as surgery or radioactive treatment, hypothyroidism may occur as a side effect or complication of the treatment. 


  • Iodine deficiency: Iodine is needed production of the thyroid hormone. Insufficient amounts of iodine can cause a decrease in thyroid hormone, resulting in hypothyroidism. Since iodine is not produced in the body, it needs to be consumed through diet. 


  • Pituitary disorder: The failure of the pituitary gland to produce thyroid stimulating hormone, which interferes with the release of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. 

Clinical Manifestations 

Diagnostic Findings

Nursing Management 

Medications for Treatment

Nursing Care Plan


Hypothyroidism Mini Quiz













Test your knowledge with our free nurse test bank designed to help you practice NCLEX and nursing school questions.


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