What should I monitor after thyroidectomy?

It is important to monitor both calcium and magnesium levels after total thyroidectomy and to correct deficiencies to facilitate prompt resolution of symptoms.

How do you take care of a thyroidectomy?

How can you care for yourself at home?

1. Rest when you feel tired.
2. Try to walk each day.
3. Avoid strenuous physical activity and lifting heavy objects for 3 weeks after surgery or until your doctor says it is okay.
4. Do not over-extend your neck backwards for 2 weeks after surgery.
5. Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

How do you prepare for a thyroidectomy?

As a general rule, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, and arrive at least two hours before your scheduled surgery. Most often you can take your routine medications with a sip of water. Medication guidelines prior to surgery will be discussed at your pre-operative visit.

What are the nursing considerations for surgical patients?

Nursing interventions include monitoring vital signs, airway patency, and neurologic status; managing pain; assessing the surgical site; assessing and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance; and providing a thorough report of the patient’s status to the receiving nurse on the unit, as well as the patient’s family.

How can I sleep comfortably after thyroidectomy?

Head of Bed: Please elevate the head of your bed 30-45 degrees or sleep in a recliner at 30-45 degrees for the first 3-4 days to decrease swelling. The skin above the incision may look swollen after lying down for a few hours.

Do you gain weight after thyroidectomy?

Contrary to the perception of many of our patients who undergo thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, with or without radioactive iodine ablation of residual thyroid tissue, followed by replacement or suppressive doses of thyroxine, there is on average no excessive weight gain over the expected age-related increase in …

What are the 3 postoperative phases?

The perioperative period is a term used to describe the three distinct phases of any surgical procedure, which includes the preoperative phase, the intraoperative phase, and the postoperative phase.

How do you sleep with a thyroidectomy?

What happens to your body after a thyroidectomy?

After your thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, you may have a temporary sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or a weak voice. Your diet will be restricted for the evening of your surgery, but in most cases, it can return to normal the next day.

What are the nursing responsibilities for thyroidectomy?

Nursing Care Plans. Thyroidectomy requires meticulous postoperative nursing care to prevent complications. Nursing priorities will include managing hyperthyroid state preoperatively, relieving pain, providing information about the surgical procedure, prognosis, and treatment needs, and preventing complications.

What to expect after a thyroidectomy?

After your thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, you may have a temporary sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or a weak voice. Your diet will be restricted for the evening of your surgery, but in most cases, it can return to normal the next day.

What is the recovery time from thyroid removal surgery?

For most patients the recovery period after thyroid surgery ranges around one or 2 weeks. Driving is restricted for a week. Depending on the amount of thyroid tissue removed, the patient is put on thyroid hormone.

What is life like after thyroid surgery?

You will need to take at least one or two weeks to recover before you return to work and other daily activities. You should not lift any heavy objects for about 2 weeks after your operation to avoid any strain on your neck. Your neck is likely to be swollen and may feel hard and numb right after the surgery.