Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It most commonly occurs in older women and can be caused by autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, medications, or iodine deficiency. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, hair loss, numbness, hoarseness, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, and slowed thinking. Treatment involves lifelong synthetic thyroid hormone replacement through medications like levothyroxine. Nursing care focuses on monitoring for side effects, ensuring proper medication adherence, providing dietary guidance, and maintaining a warm environment for the patient.

1. Binita Bhattarai
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2. Introduction
 Hypothyroidism results from suboptimal levels of
thyroid hormone.
 When thyroid deficiency is present at birth, the
condition is known as cretinism.
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3. Definition
 Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid
gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.
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4. Incidence
 It occurs most often in older women.
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5. Causes
 Autoimmune diseases
In autoimmune disease the immune system produces
antibodies that attack own tissues.
 Treatment of hyperthyroidism
 Radiation therapy
Radiation used to treat the cancer of head and neck can
affect the thyroid gland and may lead to
hypothyroidism.
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6. Contd…
 Thyroid surgery
 Medications such as lithium
 Pituitary disorder
 Iodine deficiency
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7. Clinical manifestations
Extreme fatigue
Hair loss ,brittle nails,dry skin
Numbness and tingling of fingers
Husky voice and hoarseness
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8.  Menstrual disturbances,loss of libido,
 Pulse rate abnormal,weight gain,
 cachexia,
 Thickened skin, alopecia,
 Expressionless and masklike facial features.
Contd….
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9. Contd….
 Sensation of cold in warm environment,
 Dulled mental process ,apathy,
 Slowed speech; enlarged tongue, hands,feet,
 Constipation,
 Hypothermia,
 Coronary artery diseases
 Myxedema coma
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11. Medical management
 Synthetic levothyroxine (synthroid or levothroid) is the
preferred preparation.
 Concentrated glucose may be given if hypoglycemia is
evident.
 If myxedema coma is present ,thyroid hormone is given
intravenously until consciousness is restored.
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12. Nursing management
 Monitor vital signs, including heart rate and rhythm.
 Instruct the client about thyroid replacement therapy.
 Instruct the client in low-calorie,low-cholesterol,low-saturated fat
diet.
 Assess the client for constipation; provide roughage and fluids to
prevent constipation.
 Provide warm environment for the client.
 Avoid sedatives and narcotics.
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13. Contd..
 Monitor signs of overdose.
 Instruct the client to report episodes of chest pain
immediately.
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14. Assignment
 Write down the differences between
hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
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16. Binita Bhattarai
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