Word parts
What it means
An operation through a small incision at the front of the neck to remove the entire thyroid, done for thyroid cancer, a large goiter or some cases of hyperthyroidismhy-per-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.hyper- above, overthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry . Afterward the body makes no thyroid hormone, so the client takes thyroid hormone pills for life. The parathyroid glands, which control calcium, and the nerves to the voice box lie close by and can be injured.
For the nurse
Watch the airway, breathing and the neck dressing (check behind the neck for blood), and keep suction, oxygen and a tracheostomy set at the bedside. Check the voice: a little hoarseness is common, but stridor or loss of voice is reported at once. Ask about tingling around the mouth or in the fingers and check the calcium level, since low calcium can follow. Support the head and neck when the client moves.
At a glance
| Also written | total thyroidectomies |
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Related terms
stridor
A high-pitched, harsh sound made while breathing, usually heard when breathing in.
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.
perioral
Around the mouth.