Question

A patient has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. What should the nurse expect to assess in this patient's integumentary system?

a. Warm, flushed skin; alopecia; thin nails
b. General hyperpigmentation and loss of body hair
c. Pale skin; pale mucous membranes; hair loss; nail dystrophy
d. Cold, dry, pale skin; dry, coarse hair; brittle, slow-growing nails

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism can result in specific changes in the integumentary system, including cold, dry, pale skin, dry and coarse hair, and brittle and slow-growing nails.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. In patients with hypothyroidism, the nurse would expect to assess the integumentary system and observe cold, dry, and pale skin, dry and coarse hair, and brittle and slow-growing nails. These changes in the integumentary system are due to the reduced metabolic activity caused by hypothyroidism.