Nursing Care of a Patient with Thyroid Cancer after Total Thyroidectomy in the Outpatient Clinic : Case Study
Abstract
Abstract
This study aims to examine nursing care for thyroid cancer patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy in outpatient clinics. Research Method: A comparative study of 2 case studies was conducted by purposive sampling, selecting thyroid cancer patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy and received treatment at Trang Hospital. The study was conducted from 01 October 2025 to 31 March 2026 The tools used were interviews, observations, patient medical records, and 11 health assessment forms based on Gordon's patterns.
From the comparative study of the 2 cases, it was found that using the nursing process to care for patients systematically is extremely important in the care of thyroid cancer patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy. It helps nurses provide comprehensive care covering physical, psychological, and social aspects, as well as effectively preventing complications and promoting health rehabilitation.
Case Study 1: A 40-year-old Thai female patient with a pre-existing condition of diabetes, who had lapses in continuous treatment, came to the hospital with a rapidly growing mass on the right side of her neck. She underwent examination and a total thyroidectomy. The diagnosis was Aplastic Thyroid Carcinoma, and she received ongoing treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The patient was capable of self-care and aware of her good health status. Despite experiencing anxiety regarding her appearance, she was able to adapt and follow medical advice well, resulting in smooth treatment. Case Study 2: A 75-year-old Thai female patient with comorbidities including hypertension and hyperlipidemia, who did not take her medications consistently, had previously refused surgery. Later, she developed a growing mass in her neck and was diagnosed with advanced-stage Follicular Carcinoma. She underwent a total thyroidectomy combined with radical neck dissection. She experienced complex problems before, during, and after surgery. The patient was at risk for multiple complications, including airway obstruction due to swelling, subcutaneous bleeding, hypocalcemia from total thyroid removal, lymphatic leakage, and surgical wound infections. Therefore, nurses must closely monitor symptoms, assess breathing, vital signs, convulsions from low calcium, wound care, and infection prevention, as well as prepare patients for ongoing treatment with mineral swallowing. Although patients are at high risk, they can safely undergo surgery and recovery, receive continuous care, and adapt well under the multidisciplinary team's supervision.
In summary, the nursing process is an important tool that helps ensure post-operative care for thyroid cancer patients is of high quality and safe.
It can appropriately respond to each patient's problems and needs, covering both physical and psychological aspects, resulting in continuous rehabilitation, reduced complications, and improved quality of life in the long term.
