A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and asks what causes it. The nurse would respond that the destruction of the thyroid in this condition is due to which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. In this condition, the immune system produces autoantibodies that target proteins in the thyroid tissue, causing inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland over time. This process leads to hypothyroidism, as the damaged thyroid is no longer able to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. Autoantibodies are a hallmark of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and are responsible for the destruction of the thyroid gland in this condition.