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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The anatomy of the urinary tract can influence the susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs). In the case of young girls, their urethra is shorter compared to adult females, which increases the likelihood of bacteria reaching the bladder. The shorter urethra provides a shorter distance for bacteria to travel from the outside of the body to the bladder, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
Prostatic secretions in males in (option A) is incorrect because they are not directly related to the increased susceptibility to UTIs. Prostatic secretions can, however, contribute to conditions like prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can be associated with urinary symptoms and sometimes bacterial infections.
Frequent emptying of the bladder in (option C) is incorrect because it is generally considered a healthy practice as it helps to flush out any potential bacteria in the urinary tract. It does not predispose the urinary tract to infection.
Increased fluid intake in (option D) is incorrect because it is generally encouraged to maintain proper hydration and urinary tract health. It can help to flush out bacteria from the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection.
While these factors may have implications for urinary tract health, the specific factor that predisposes the urinary tract to infection, particularly in young girls, is the short urethra (B).
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