HESI Pediatric N158 Related

Review HESI Pediatric N158 related questions and content

A breastfeeding infant, screened for congenital hypothyroidism, is found to have low levels of thyroxine (T4) and high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Which is the best explanation for this finding?

  • A. The TSH is high because of the low production of T4 by the thyroid.
  • B. The thyroxine level is low because the TSH level is high.
  • C. The thyroid gland does not produce normal levels of thyroxine for several weeks after birth.
  • D. High thyroxine levels normally occur in breastfeeding infants.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: High TSH levels are a compensatory response to low T4 production, indicating congenital hypothyroidism, which requires prompt treatment to prevent developmental delays.