Decreased secretion of thyroxin from thyroid gland leads to?

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

Decreased secretion of thyroxine is known as hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism manifests differently based on the patient's age at the time of onset.
Cretinism is the term for hypothyroidism in infancy and childhood, which severely affects growth and mental development.
Myxedema is the term for severe hypothyroidism in adults, characterized by edema and a slowed metabolic rate.
Simple goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, often as a compensatory mechanism for low thyroxine production, driven by high TSH levels.
Since all three conditions are direct or indirect results of decreased thyroxine, 'All the above' is the most comprehensive answer.

Option A: This option is correct, but incomplete. Simple goiter is one possible result of decreased thyroxine, but not the only one.
Option B: This option is correct, but incomplete. Myxedema is a manifestation of adult hypothyroidism, but the question is not limited to adults.
Option C: This option is correct, but incomplete. Cretinism is a result of congenital or childhood hypothyroidism, but the question is general and not limited to this age group.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Manifestations of Hypothyroidism as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism is a critical public health measure in India and worldwide. Early detection and treatment can prevent irreversible intellectual disability.
Nurses must educate patients with hypothyroidism on the importance of lifelong hormone replacement therapy and regular monitoring of thyroid function tests (TFTs).
In regions with iodine deficiency (like some parts of the Himalayas), promoting the use of iodized salt is a key nursing and public health intervention to prevent endemic goiter and cretinism.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the consequence of 'decreased secretion of thyroxin' (hypothyroidism).
Recall or look up the different clinical presentations of hypothyroidism.
Evaluate each option: Is 'Simple goiter' related to low thyroxine? Yes, it's a compensatory enlargement.
Is 'Myxedema' related to low thyroxine? Yes, it's severe adult hypothyroidism.
Is 'Cretinism' related to low thyroxine? Yes, it's congenital/childhood hypothyroidism.
Since all three options are correct consequences, the most inclusive and therefore best answer is 'All the above'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qnv97spr2cPZTaCQGkccH9

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 245-247

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 219-221

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 45-47

Practise the full MNS 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.