Word parts
What it means
An operation for thyroid cancer, a large goiter, nodules, or an overactive thyroid that other treatment did not control. Because the thyroid sits next to the windpipe, the voice-box nerves and the small parathyroid glands, these can be affected. After a total thyroidectomy, the client needs thyroid hormone replacement for life.
For the nurse
After surgery, watch the airway and the neck dressing (check behind the neck for blood pooling), and keep suction and a tracheostomy tray close as policy directs. Ask the client to speak to check the voice. Report tingling around the mouth or in the fingers, muscle cramps or twitching, which can mean low calcium. Support the head and neck when the client moves.
At a glance
| Spanish | tiroidectomía |
|---|
Related terms
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
hypothyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
perioperative
Relating to the whole time around a surgery: before, during and after it.