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?
Hypoglycaemia
Hypothyroidism
Hypocalcaemia
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
The Correct Answer is B
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroid hormones. In newborns, this condition is known as congenital hypothyroidism. The symptoms mentioned—mottled skin, a large fontanel (soft spot on the baby's head), a large tongue, lethargy, and difficulty feeding—are characteristic of hypothyroidism inneonates.
Mottled skin can occur due to decreased circulation and low body temperature associated with hypothyroidism. A large fontanel and tongue are common physical features seen in infants with hypothyroidism. Lethargy and poor feeding are also typical signs of this condition.
Hypoglycaemia in (option A) is incorrect because it refers to low blood sugar levels and usually presents withdifferent symptoms such as jitteriness, tremors, and sweating.
Hypocalcaemia in (option C) is incorrect because it is low calcium levels and can manifest with symptoms like muscle cramps, twitching, and seizures.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) in (option D) it is incorrect because it is a metabolic disorder characterized by the inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, and it typically presents with different symptoms such as intellectual disability and a musty door to the skin.
Therefore, based on the symptoms described, hypothyroidism (B) is the most likely disorder in this neonate. It isimportant to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hydrocephalus refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation ofcerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. In infants, hydrocephalus cancause the head to enlarge rapidly as a result of the increased pressure exerted by theaccumulatingfluid.Thisisknownas"rapidheadgrowth."Theincreasedintracranialpressurecanlead to irritabilityand poorappetite in infants.
The distended scalp veins are another common sign of hydrocephalus. As the fluidaccumulates,itputs pressureon thebloodvessels inthe brain,causingtheveinsin thescalptobecome morevisible and distended.
Cerebral palsy in (option A) is incorrect because is a neurological disorder that affects bodymovementandmusclecoordination,butitdoesnottypicallypresentwithrapid headgrowthordistended scalp veins.
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in (option B) is incorrect becauseitisacondition characterized byexcessivesecretionofantidiuretichormone,leadingtofluidimbalance, but it does not usually cause rapid head growth or distended scalp veins. Reye'ssyndrome (D) is a rare condition that primarily affects the liver and brain, and it does nottypicallypresent with rapid headgrowthor distended scalp veins.
Therefore, based on the signs described, hydrocephalus (C) is the most likely disorder in thiscase.Itisimportantto seekmedicalattentionpromptlyforaproperdiagnosisand appropriatemanagementofhydrocephalus in infants.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Tanner staging is a method used to assess and describe the development of secondary sexcharacteristics during puberty. It is primarily focused on the physical changes that occur asindividuals transition from childhood to adulthood. The Tanner scale consists of differentstages(ItoV)that describethedevelopmentofspecificsecondarysexcharacteristicssuchasbreastdevelopment, pubichairgrowth,genital development,and facialhair growth.
Growthhormonesecretionin(optionA)isincorrectbecauseWhilegrowthhormonedoesplay a role in the overall growth and development of individuals during puberty, Tannerstagingdoes not specificallymeasureor assessgrowth hormone secretion.
Hormone levels in (option B) is incorrect because While hormone levels, including sexhormonessuchas estrogenandtestosterone, doplayasignificantrolein thedevelopmentofsecondary sex characteristics, Tanner staging itself does not involve measuring or assessinghormone levels. Hormone levels can be assessed through laboratory testing, but this is aseparateprocess from Tanner staging
Hyperthyroidism in (option C) is incorrect because Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is amedical condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland that produces an excessivenumberofthyroidhormones.Itisnotdirectlyrelatedtothedevelopmentofsecondarysexcharacteristics. Diagnosing hyperthyroidism typically involves assessing symptoms,conductingphysicalexaminations,andperformingspecificbloodteststomeasurethyroidhormone levelsandevaluatethyroidfunction.
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