Hypothyroidism
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Endocrinemedium priorityneeds review
Hypothyroidism
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Low thyroid hormone from autoimmune disease, thyroid removal, iodine imbalance, or medications.
- Metabolism slows, causing cold intolerance, fatigue, bradycardia, and constipation.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Thyroid medications | Replaces missing thyroid hormone. |
Nursing actions
- Assess fatigue, cold intolerance, bradycardia, weight gain, and constipation.
- Teach consistent levothyroxine timing and lifelong therapy when indicated.
- Monitor for myxedema coma signs in severe cases.
Complications
- Myxedema coma
- Hyperlipidemia
- Infertility
- Depression
NCLEX cues
- Cold, slow, puffy, constipated.
- Overreplacement looks hyperthyroid.
Memory hooks
- Hypothyroid is low and slow.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.