A client who had a subtotal thyroidectomy asks how hypothyroidism may develop when the problem was hyperthyroidism. Which response by the nurse would be appropriate?
A. Hypothyroidism is a gradual slowing of the body's function.
B. A decrease in pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) will occur.
C. Less thyroid tissue is available to supply thyroid hormone after surgery.
D. Atrophy of tissue remaining after surgery reduces secretion of thyroid hormones.
Answer (1)
A subtotal thyroidectomy reduces the amount of functional thyroid tissue available, which can lead to insufficient thyroid hormone production and result in hypothyroidism. The atrophy of remaining tissue further contributes to this condition. Therefore, the correct response relates to the decreased availability of thyroid tissue post-surgery. ;
