Registered Nurse RN

Registered Nurse, Free Care Plans, Free NCLEX Review, Nurse Salary, and much more. Join the nursing revolution.

  • RN
    • Nursing Clinical Skills
  • Nursing Videos
  • Blog
  • Nursing School
  • Nursing Care Plans
  • Nursing Quizzes
  • Nursing
  • Nursing Jobs
  • NCLEX Review
  • Store

Myxedema Coma NCLEX Review

Myxedema coma NCLEX review notes for students who are prepping to take the NCLEX exam. The endocrine system is made-up of many complications, such as myxedema coma which is caused by untreated hypothyroidism.

As a student prepping for NCLEX, it is very important you know the details about myxedema coma and how to care for a patient experiencing this condition.

As the nurse taking care of a patient in myxedema coma, it is important you understand the signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, causes, nursing interventions, and medical treatments.

This NCLEX review is part of an endocrine series of thyroid disorders.

Don’t forget to take the quiz on myxedema coma.

In this NCLEX review, you will learn the following:

-Signs and symptoms of myxedema coma
-Causes of myxedema coma
-Nursing Interventions
-Medications for myxedema coma
-Treatments

Lecture on Myxedema Coma

Myxedema Coma

Definition: life-threatening condition that occurs in patients with hypothyroidism due to severely low thyroid hormones (untreated or undiagnosed hypothyroidism).

Causes of Myxedema Coma

Occurs mainly in elderly women with hypothyroidism who have experienced:

  • illness (respiratory or urinary infection)
  • stressful event (MI)
  • medications (Lithium: inhibits thyroid hormone release) or sedatives
  • toxicity of antithyroid medications…used to treat hyperthyroidism
  • not taking thyroid replacement medications (some patient will abruptly stop them because they think they are not helping…medications take a while to see effects)
  • Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland)

Signs and Symptoms of Myxedema Coma

Patients will have the typical HYPOTHYROIDISM signs and symptoms, BUT they will be more SEVERE….systems of the body are slowing down to the point of death

  • Hypothermia (not just cold intolerance)
  • Myxedema: swelling of tissues that have a waxy appearance or orange peel texture which will be located on the eyes and face
  • Slow heart rate and low blood pressure
  • Respiratory failure (most likely will need mechanical ventilation)
  • Hyponatremia (due to the increased antidiuretic hormone which causes the body to conserve water & decreased glomerular filtration rate because there is decreased blood flow to the kidneys)
  • Hypoglycemia (due to the reduced metabolic rate hence decreased gluconeogenesis)
  • Very confused/drowsy…may progress to a coma

Nursing Interventions for Myxedema Coma

  • Monitor HR, BP, EKG, temperature, respiratory status (respiratory failure and maintain airway)
  • Administer IV solutions as prescribed (ex: normal saline or hypertonic solutions…to correct hyponatremia and correct cardiovascular collapse) Learn more about isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions
  • IV thyroid hormones: Synthroid (this can cause adrenal insufficiency because thyroid hormones increase the metabolic clearance of glucocorticoids….so corticosteroids may be prescribed along with treatment)
  • ****Watch for signs and symptoms of Synthroid toxicity which would present as signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (fast heart, feeling hot, sweating)
  • Administered glucose IV for hypoglycemia
  • Keep patient warm with warming blankets as prescribed
  • NO sedatives or narcotics for these patients….very sensitive to them

You may be interested in more: NCLEX Exam Reviews

Please Share:

  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
Nursing Gear

RSS Latest YouTube Videos

  • Postpartum Hair Loss while Breastfeeding | My Hair Care Routine
  • Medication Abbreviations Frequencies/Orders | Medical Terminology | Nursing NCLEX Review
  • Baby's First Food Reaction at 6 Months Old | How to Start Solids | Pediatric Nursing
  • Inversion and Eversion of the Foot, Ankle | Body Movement Terms Anatomy

Recent Posts

  • Postpartum Hair loss
  • Medication Abbreviation Frequencies for Administration Times and Orders in Nursing
  • Medication Abbreviation Frequencies Time and Orders Quiz (Nursing)
  • Baby’s First Food

Disclosure and Privacy Policy

This website provides entertainment value only, not medical advice or nursing protocols. We strive for 100% accuracy, but nursing procedures and state laws are constantly changing. By accessing any content on this site or its related media channels, you agree never to hold us liable for damages, harm, loss, or misinformation. See our full disclosure and privacy policy. Copyright Notice: Do not copy this site, articles, images, or its contents without permission.

Important Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Facebook Nursing
  • Instagram Nursing
  • Twitter Nursing
  • YouTube Nursing

Get Free Email Updates:

Enter your email address below and hit "Submit" to receive free email updates and nursing tips.

Copyright © 2021 RegisteredNurseRN.com. All Rights Reserved.