A 55-year old woman visited outpatient endocrine clinic with “fluttering of the heart” and vague chest discomfort on climbing stairs. She gave information that she accidentally found a painless mass at the neck for 2 months. Four months later, she had a difficulty in climbing stairs because of lost strength in her legs, “fluttering of the heart”, and vague chest discomfort. She was
unable to perform her previous favorite activities because her hand tremor. She was also worry that she lost 15 lbs in the last 4 months.
After physical exam, she was suspected to have a diagnosis of Thyroid cancer and admitted to the hospital. She was further investigation by blood test of thyroid function, CT scan, and iodine uptake test. At ward her vital sign was measured: Temperature = 37.0 degree C, Heart Rate 130 beat/min, Respiratory rate 20 time/min, BP 130/70 mm Hg
Thyroidectomy was set up in the next day after all further investigations were confirmed that she had Thyroid cancer. After operation, she stayed 5 days in the hospital, then discharged home with medication and 2-week appointment for further treatment.
Suppose you are the nurse who assigned to taking care this case. Please answer the following questions from above case:
1. In this case, what the expectation abnormal results would be found from blood test of
thyroid function?
2. From provided information, how many nursing diagnoses for this patient at the first day of
admission? (discuss overall nursing diagnoses and give reasons for support each diagnosis) 3. Specify nursing care plan for pre-operation and post-operation for this patient
4. What are important complications after thyroid surgery and how to prevent them?