Question

a nurse is assigned to care for a client with an enlarged thyroid gland . what condition is the client experiencing , and what has been the cause of the condition?

Answer 1

The enlarged thyroid gland is known as goiter. The abnormal enlargement of the thyroid may be due to iodine deficiency or any due to an infection and inflammation, it may be associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Causes of Goiter

1. Iodine deficiency in the diet (Idoniene plays a great role in thyroid health and also in hormone production, deficiency of iodine can lead to goiter)

2. Grave's disease (Hyperactive thyroid gland secrets excess thyroid hormone which causes thyroid disease, it can also lead to goiter.)

3. Multinodular goiter(there is the fluid accumulation or multiple small lumps present in the thyroid gland which causes goiter).

4. Thyroid cancer

5. Infection and inflammation of the thyroid gland.

6. Hashimoto's disease( Hypoactive thyroid gland secrets less thyroid hormone which also leads to goiter).