Which discharge instructions are appropriate for this client?

If a person is in need of a thyroidectomy, this means that the person suffers from needing all of their thyroid and parts associated with the thyroid removed. This can be because of cancer or problems with the thyroid. The person can begin by having trouble swallowing. Usually, the person may be low in calcium and need to increase their calcium intake.

If a patient is about to be discharged from the hospital after having a thyroidectomy, the nurse will need to give instructions on what to do. These instructions include taking thyroid replacement medication based on what was ordered by the doctor. The patient or relatives should watch for behaviors that are different from before including fatigue, dry skin and restlessness.

Take thyroid replacement medication as ordered.-2. watch for changes in body functioning, such as lethargy, restlessness, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin, and report these changes to the physician.-rationale: after the removal of the thyroid gland, the client needs to take thyroid replacement medication. the client also needs to report such changes as lethargy, restlessness, cold sensitivity, and dry skin, which may indicate the need for a higher dosage of medication. the thyroid gland doesnt regulate blood glucose levels; therefore, signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia arent relevant for this client. dehydration is seen in diabetes insipidus. injectable dexamethasone isnt needed for this client.client needs category: physiological integrityclient needs subcategory: physiological adaptationcognitive level: applicationreference: smeltzer, s.c., et al. brunner & suddarths textbook of medical-surgical nursing, 11th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2008, p. 1462.