Alterations in Metabolism
Obesity Hyperthyroid Hypothyroid
Pathophysiology
Risk Factors
Assessment Findings (including Labs)
Possible Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions (including Medications)
The alterations in metabolism that can occur in obesity, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism:
Alteration in Metabolism Pathophysiology Risk Factors Assessment Findings (including Labs) Possible Nursing Diagnosis Interventions (including Medications)
Obesity Excess body fat Lifestyle choices, genetics, unhealthy diets, high fat consumption, inactivity, age, pregnancy, lack of sleep, certain medications, certain diseases, stress, smoking Weight gain, increased waist circumference, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, cancer Imbalanced Nutrition: More than Body Requirements, Risk for Injury, Risk for Impaired Physical Mobility Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medication (e.g., orlistat, phentermine), surgery (e.g., gastric bypass)
Hyperthyroidism Overactive thyroid gland Autoimmune disease, thyroiditis, tumors, iodine deficiency Weight loss, increased appetite, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, palpitations, tremors, fatigue, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities Hyperthyroidism, Risk for Injury, Risk for Altered Tissue Perfusion Medication (e.g., methimazole, propylthiouracil), surgery (thyroidectomy)
Hypothyroidism Underactive thyroid gland Autoimmune disease, thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, surgery, radiation therapy, certain medications Weight gain, decreased appetite, cold intolerance, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, menstrual irregularities Hypothyroidism, Risk for Injury, Risk for Constipation Medication (e.g., levothyroxine), lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)
It is important to note that these are just some of the possible alterations in metabolism that can occur in these conditions. The specific findings will vary depending on the individual patient.
It is also important to note that these conditions are not mutually exclusive. For example, a patient with obesity may also have hypothyroidism, or a patient with hyperthyroidism may also have obesity.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have an alteration in metabolism, please see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
