Cretinism occurs as a result of?

IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

Cretinism is a historical term for a condition of severely stunted physical and mental development.
It is caused by an untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones, a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism.
The lack of thyroid hormone from birth critically impairs the development of the central nervous system and skeleton, leading to the characteristic features of the condition.

Option B: Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which is the opposite of the hormonal state in cretinism. It causes a hypermetabolic state with symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance.
Option C: Hyperparathyroidism involves the overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). It is unrelated to thyroid function or cretinism.
Option D: Hypoparathyroidism is the underproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Its symptoms include muscle cramps and tetany, which are not features of cretinism.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Endocrine Disorders: Congenital Hypothyroidism as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The most critical nursing role is ensuring newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (usually via a heel-prick test) is performed, as early detection and treatment are vital to prevent irreversible brain damage.
Nurses are responsible for educating parents about the importance of lifelong, daily administration of levothyroxine and the need for regular follow-ups to monitor growth and hormone levels.
What if? If a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism is not treated within the first few weeks of life, the intellectual disability becomes severe and largely irreversible, even if physical growth later improves with hormone therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Cretinism'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of foundational concepts in endocrine disorders.
Recall the definition of cretinism. It is a specific condition related to thyroid function that manifests in early life.
Evaluate the options: 'Hypo-' means underactive, and 'Hyper-' means overactive. 'Thyroidism' relates to the thyroid gland, while 'parathyroidism' relates to the parathyroid glands.
Connect cretinism to its underlying cause: a deficiency ('hypo-') of thyroid hormone. This eliminates the 'hyper-' options and the 'parathyroid' options, leaving hypothyroidism as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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