Goitre is caused by the deficiency of which hormone?

MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Goitre is the term for an enlarged thyroid gland.
The most common cause is iodine deficiency, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
A deficiency in thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) triggers the pituitary gland to release more Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
Chronically high TSH levels cause the thyroid gland to grow in size in an attempt to increase hormone production, resulting in a goitre.

Option A: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.
Option B: Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and developing secondary sexual characteristics.
Option C: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, not a hormone in the classical sense, that primarily affects mood, sleep, and appetite.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of Goitre as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing assessment for a patient with a goitre is to check for signs of airway compression, such as difficulty breathing, stridor, or dysphagia, as a large goitre can press on the trachea and esophagus.
Patient education is a critical nursing role, emphasizing the importance of using iodized salt, adhering to thyroid medication regimens (e.g., levothyroxine), and attending regular follow-up appointments for thyroid function monitoring.
What if? If a patient with a goitre presents with symptoms of hyperthyroidism (e.g., weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance) instead of hypothyroidism, the cause is likely different, such as Graves' disease or a toxic multinodular goitre. This would require a different treatment approach, possibly involving anti-thyroid drugs or radioactive iodine, rather than hormone replacement.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Goitre'.
Recall the definition of goitre: an enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Consider the primary function of the thyroid gland, which is to produce thyroid hormones using iodine.
Analyze the options in the context of endocrine function. Insulin relates to the pancreas and blood sugar. Estrogen relates to the ovaries and female reproductive functions. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter.
Deduce that a condition affecting the thyroid gland (goitre) is most directly related to a problem with thyroid hormone itself.
Connect the dots: A deficiency of thyroid hormone (often from lack of iodine) leads to a compensatory enlargement of the gland, which is the definition of goitre.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 240-463 of 478) p. 150-152

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 654-656