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
Epispadias is a congenital condition in which the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis as is typical but rather along the ventral surface (underside) of the penis. In severe cases, the urethral opening may extend all the way to the bladder.
absence of a urethral opening in (option A) is incorrect because it, describes a condition called urethral agenesis or aplasia, where the urethral opening is completely absent. This is a different condition from epispadias.
a penis shorter than usual for age, in (option B) is incorrect because it is not specific to epispadias and could be caused by various factors unrelated to the condition.
a urethral opening along the dorsal surface (topside) of the penis in (option D) is incorrect because it, is a condition called hypospadias. Hypospadias is another congenital anomaly where the urethral opening is located on the underside or along the ventral surface of the penis, but it is not synonymous with epispadias.
Therefore, epispadias specifically refers to the urethral opening being situated along the ventral surface of the penis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Thebehaviourdescribed,wherethechildappearstobestaringinto space,is characteristicof
B.Absenceseizures.
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are a type of generalized seizure thatprimarily affects children. These seizures are brief and usually last for a few seconds. Duringan absence seizure, the child may appear to be staring blankly into space, unaware of theirsurroundings.Theymaynot respond to stimuli orengagein anypurposefulactivity.After theseizure ends, the child typically resumes their previous activity without any memory of theseizure.
Atonic seizures in (option A) is incorrect because it involves a sudden loss of muscle tone,leadingtoalimp or "drop"in theperson.
Simple partial seizures in (option C) are focal seizures that affect a specific region of thebrain,causinglocalizedsymptoms suchas twitchingor tinglinginaparticularbodypart.
Tonic-clonic seizures in (option D) also known as grand mal seizures, is incorrect because itinvolves a combination of muscle rigidity (tonic phase) and jerking movements (clonicphase).
Therefore, based on the description provided, the behaviour of staring into space ischaracteristic of B. Absence seizures. It is important for the child to be evaluated by ahealthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of theirseizures.
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