NURSING 402 EQ - Endocrine Exam: Thyroid Cancer and Types of Treatments: Questions with Answers

1. A patient diagnosed with hyperthyroidism presents with neck nodules that are less than 3 cm in size. Biopsy reveals the nodules are non-malignant. Which treatment does the nurse expect for this patient? a. Iodine therapy b. Subtotal thyroidectomy c. Endoscopic thyroidectomy d. Radioactive iodine therapy Endoscopic thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure performed on a patient’s neck nodules that are less than 3 cm in size and non-malignant. Iodine is used with other antithyroid drugs in preparation for a thyroidectomy. Iodine therapy/radioactive iodine therapy treats hyperthyroidism by gradually shrinking the thyroid. Radioactive iodine therapy has a delayed effect on the thyroid gland, and it limits the thyroid hormone secretion by damaging thyroid tissue. A subtotal thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removal of 90 percent of the thyroid gland. 2. A nurse reviewing the recent medical history of a patient with hypoparathyroidism expects to find a history of: a. Hypertension b. Thyroidectomy c. Use of cocaine d. Hypermagnesemia Because of the location of the parathyroid glands within the thyroid gland, a thyroidectomy sometimes results in the accidental surgical removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands, which in turn causes hypoparathyroidism. Hypertension and cocaine use are important items to note in a medical history, but they are not directly related to hypoparathyroidism. Hypomagnesemia, not hypermagnesemia, can lead to suppression of parathyroid hormone secretion. 3. Which nursing interventions are appropriate when providing care to a patient that is recovering from a thyroidectomy? Select all that apply. a. Assessing for tetany b. Monitoring vital signs c. Monitoring potassium levels d. Assessing the patient every two hours on the first postoperative day e. Placing the patient in a high Fowler’s position Postoperative nursing interventions that are appropriate for a patient after a thyroidectomy include assessing for tetany, monitoring vital signs, and assessing the patient every two hours on the first postoperative day for hemorrhage and tracheal compression. The nurse should monitor calcium levels, not potassium levels. The nurse should place the patient in a semi-Fowler’s position to reduce swelling and edema in the neck area. Sandbags or pillows may be used to support the head or neck.