Thyroidectomy Nursing Care Plan

Thyroidectomy, although rare, may be performed for patients with thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, and drug reactions to antithyroid agents; pregnant women who cannot be managed with drugs; patients who do not want radiation therapy; and patients with large goiters who do not respond to antithyroid drugs. The two types of thyroidectomy include:

1. Total thyroidectomy: The gland is removed completely. Usually done in the case of malignancy. Thyroid replacement therapy is necessary for life.
2. Subtotal thyroidectomy: Up to five-sixths of the gland is removed when antithyroid drugs do not correct hyperthyroidism or RAI therapy is contraindicated.

5 Thyroidectomy Nursing Care Plan (NCP)

1. Acute Pain — Thyroidectomy 
2. Ineffective Airway Clearance — Thyroidectomy 
3. Impaired Verbal Communication — Thyroidectomy 
4. Risk for Injury — Thyroidectomy 
5. Knowledge Deficit — Thyroidectomy 

Nursing Priorities

1. Reverse/manage hyperthyroid state preoperatively.
2. Prevent complications.
3. Relieve pain.
4. Provide information about surgical procedure, prognosis, and treatment needs.

Discharge Goals

1. Complications prevented/minimized.
2. Pain alleviated.
3. Surgical procedure/prognosis and therapeutic regimen understood.
4. Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.