A postoperative total thyroidectomy patient is started on levothyroxine (Synthroid) daily. What information will the nurse include in discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.)
a. "Close follow-up with your health care provider is important."
b. "Notify your health care provider if you experience any palpitations or tachycardia."
c. "A variation in emotions and personality is normal during this adjustment period."
d. "Synthroid may be stopped as soon as the thyroid gland resumes functioning."
e. "When energy levels have returned, Synthroid will be gradually tapered."
ANS: A, B, C
Early intervention in correcting complications from the surgery or the hormone replacement therapy is crucial for a timely and positive outcome. Adverse effects such as tachycardia, anxiety, weight loss, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are common but should be reported to the health care provider. After surgery, the goal is to return the patient to a euthyroid state with the use of replacement therapy. During this time of adjustment, patients will experience symptoms related to fluctuations in hormonal levels. Variation in emotions and personality may occur. The total thyroidectomy patient no longer has a thyroid gland and will not have hormone secretion. Synthroid is indicated for lifelong use in the patient who has had a total thyroidectomy.
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