Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Laboratory tests reveal high TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Hypothyroidism
  • B. Hyperthyroidism
  • C. Thyroiditis
  • D. Thyroid cancer
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is A: Hypothyroidism. High TSH and low free T4 levels indicate primary hypothyroidism. Elevated TSH is a compensatory response by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones, but the thyroid gland is unable to do so effectively, resulting in low free T4 levels. Fatigue, weight gain, and constipation are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- B: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by low TSH and high free T4 levels, opposite of the lab results presented.
- C: Thyroiditis may initially present with high or low thyroid hormone levels, but the combination of high TSH and low free T4 levels is more indicative of hypothyroidism.
- D: Thyroid cancer typically does not cause abnormal thyroid hormone levels; it is more commonly associated with thyroid nodules or masses.