Question

The nurse is obtaining a health history from parents whose 4-month-old boy has congenital hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings would be most likely?

A) The child shows above-normal growth for his age.
B) The child is active and playful.
C) The skin is pink and healthy-looking.
D) It is difficult to keep the child awake.

Answer 1

The most likely finding in a 4-month-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism would be difficult to keep the child awake. Thus the correct option is D.

Explanation

Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone from birth. In infants, the lack of thyroid hormone can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, low energy, and difficulty staying awake. Therefore, option D is the most likely finding in a 4-month-old with congenital hypothyroidism.

The thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in the development and function of various organs, including the brain. Inadequate levels of thyroid hormone in infancy can result in developmental delays and affect the child's overall alertness and wakefulness. As a result, parents may observe that it is difficult to keep the child awake, which is indicative of the impact of hypothyroidism on the central nervous system.

It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize these early signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism and initiate prompt intervention, often in the form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, to prevent long-term complications and support normal growth and development in affected infants. Regular monitoring and follow-up are typically required to adjust medication doses and ensure optimal thyroid function as the child grows.

Thus the correct option is D.

Answer 2

Thyroid hormone is essential for the proper functioning of various organs, including the brain and central nervous system. Therefore, the correct answer is option D) It is difficult to keep the child awake.

Step-by-step explanation:

Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone from birth. Thyroid hormone is crucial for normal growth and development, including the development of the central nervous system. In infants with congenital hypothyroidism, there is often a notable lack of energy, lethargy, and difficulty staying awake, which aligns with option D.

Thyroid hormone plays a key role in regulating metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to a decrease in energy production. This lack of energy may manifest as difficulty in keeping the child awake, as seen in option D. The thyroid hormone deficiency can also impact the development of the nervous system, affecting alertness and overall activity levels.

Furthermore, it's important to note that congenital hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can result in significant developmental delays. Early detection through newborn screening and prompt initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy are crucial to mitigate the potential consequences of this condition. Therefore, identifying signs such as difficulty staying awake is vital for healthcare professionals involved in the care of infants, as it can prompt further investigation and timely intervention.