Nursing Hyperthyroidism Treatments

Which of the following treatments is used for hyperthyroidism?

• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

• Radioactive iodine therapy

• Surgery

• All of the above

• None of the above

Answer explanation

All are correct forms of treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Which of the following is a potential complication of thyroid surgery?

• Infection
• Scarring
• Damage to the laryngeal nerves
• All of the above
• None of the above

: Which of the following medications should be avoided in patients with hyperthyroidism?

• Aspirin

• Ibuprofen

• Acetaminophen

• All of the above

• None of the above

Answer explanation

CORRECT: Aspirin can increase the level of free Thyroid Hormone.

Clients with hyperthyroidism can take ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

A nurse is preparing to receive a client from PACU who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should ensure that which of the following equipment is available. (Select all that apply)

• Suction equipment

• Humidified oxygen

• Flashlight

• Tracheostomy tray

• Chest tube tray

Answer explanation

CORRECT: The client can require oral suctioning.

CORRECT: The client can require supplemental oxygen due to respiratory complications.

A flashlight is used to measure the reaction of the pupils to light in the client who has an intercranial disorder. it is not indicated for this client.

CORRECT: The client can experience respiratory obstruction.

A chest tube tray would be used for a client who develops a hemothorax or pneumothorax. This is not an expected complication of a thyroidectomy. This equipment is not indicated for this client.

A nurse is providing instructions to a client who has Graves' disease and has a new prescription for propranolol. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• An adverse effect of this medication is jaundice.

• Take your pulse before each dose.

• The purpose of this medication is to decrease production of thyroid hormone

• You should stop taking this medication if you have a sore throat.

Answer explanation

Yellowing of skin is a S/E of methimazole.

CORRECT: Propranolol can cause bradycardia. The client should check their pulse before each dose.

The purpose of propranolol is to suppress tachycardia, diaphoresis, and other effects of Graves' disease.

Sore throat is not an adverse S/E of this medication.

Which of the following medications is safe for a client with hyperthyroidism to take while pregnant?

• Methimazole

• Iodine solutions

• proylthiouracil (PropylThyracil, PTU)

• Beta Blockers

Answer explanation

Methimazole is not safe to take during the 1st trimester.

Iodine Solutions are for short term use only. (usually taken for 10 days post surgery)

CORRECT: proylthiouracil (PropylThyracil, PTU)- is safe to take during pregnancy.

Beta Blockers are not safe to take during the 1st trimester.

A nurse in a provider's office is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of Graves' disease and a new prescription for methimazole (Tapazole). Which of the following interventions should be included in the nurse's plan of care. Select all that apply.

• Monitor CBC.

• Monitor triiodothyronine (T₃)

• Instruct the client to increase consumption of shellfish.

• Advise the client to take the medication at the same time every day.

• Inform the client that an adverse effect of this medication is iodine toxicity.

Answer explanation

CORRECT: Methimazole can cause a number of hematologic effects, including leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

CORRECT: Methimazole reduces thyroid hormone production.

Methimazole reduces thyroid hormone production by blocking iodine production. Client should avoid shellfish.

CORRECT: Methimazole should be taken at the same time every day to maintain blood levels.

Iodine toxicity is a S/E of potassium iodide solution.