Iodized salt controls on which glands of the body?

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

The thyroid gland is the only gland in the body that uses iodine.
Iodine is an essential component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, growth, and development.
Iodized salt is a primary dietary source of iodine, which prevents iodine deficiency disorders.

Option A: The pituitary gland, while it secretes Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to control the thyroid, does not itself require iodine to produce its hormones.
Option B: The adrenal glands produce steroid hormones (like cortisol) and catecholamines (like adrenaline), neither of which requires iodine for synthesis.
Option C: The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. This process is independent of iodine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Role of iodine in endocrine function as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of adequate iodine intake through diet (e.g., iodized salt, seafood) to prevent thyroid disorders.
Assessment for goiter (enlarged thyroid) and symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance) is a crucial nursing responsibility, especially in at-risk populations.
What if? If a patient has a severe seafood allergy and lives in an area with iodine-deficient soil, the nurse should recommend using iodized salt and discuss potential supplementation with a primary care provider to prevent deficiency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Iodized salt'.
Recall the primary nutrient in iodized salt, which is iodine.
Connect this nutrient to its main function in the human body. The only known physiological role of iodine is in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Evaluate the options provided. The thyroid gland is the only gland listed that directly utilizes iodine.
Therefore, select the option that names the gland directly controlled by iodine availability.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QagbqRfGDfDj60pjCP0piU

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 12-14

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1205-1207

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1074-1076

Practise the full MNS 2015

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