Practice Question
A neonate is displaying mottled skin, has a large fontanel and tongue, is lethargic, and is having difficulty feeding. The nurse recognizes that this is most suggestive of which disorder?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Hypothyroidism
Rationale:
🧠 Congenital hypothyroidism is a critical endocrine disorder that often presents subtly in the neonatal period. The signs described—mottled skin, macroglossia (large tongue), lethargy, and feeding difficulty—are hallmark features.
🧠 Early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term complications such as developmental delay, mental retardation, and growth failure. This is why routine newborn screening includes a TSH and T4 panel to detect hypothyroidism before symptoms worsen.
🧠 Without sufficient thyroid hormone, the neonate exhibits slowed metabolism, hypotonia, and poor responsiveness, which can easily be mistaken for normal newborn behavior without vigilant assessment.
🧠 Treatment with levothyroxine must begin early to ensure optimal cognitive and physical development.
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This question is from RN ATI Paediatrics Exam VIII which contains 46 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pediatrics
- Answer Choices: 4