IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

Thyrotoxicosis is the complication of :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

  • Thyrotoxicosis is defined as the clinical and biochemical state of having excess thyroid hormone in the body.
  • Hyperthyroidism is the condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
  • Therefore, thyrotoxicosis is the direct clinical manifestation and complication of underlying hyperthyroidism.
  • Common causes of hyperthyroidism that lead to thyrotoxicosis include Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and toxic adenoma.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: Hypothyroidism is the opposite condition, characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormones, leading to a hypometabolic state.
  • Option C: Hyperparathyroidism involves the parathyroid glands and excess parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels, not thyroid hormones.
  • Option D: Hypoparathyroidism involves the parathyroid glands and a deficiency of PTH, leading to low calcium levels.

Related Visual

side comparison chart showing the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism e.g., heat intolerance, weight loss, tachycardia, exophthalmos versus hypothyroidism e.g., cold intole...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Thyroid Gland Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Recognizing the signs of thyrotoxicosis is a critical nursing skill, as it can progress to a life-threatening emergency called a thyroid storm.
  • Nursing priorities for a patient with thyrotoxicosis include monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias, managing hyperthermia, providing a high-calorie diet, and reducing environmental stimuli.
  • What if? If a patient with known hyperthyroidism suddenly develops a high fever, extreme tachycardia, and altered mental status after a surgery or infection, the nurse must immediately suspect a thyroid storm and initiate emergency protocols.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Thyrotoxicosis'.
  • Define this term. Thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical state of excess thyroid hormone.
  • Next, analyze the options provided. Each option is an endocrine disorder.
  • Evaluate each option to see which one is characterized by the excess production of thyroid hormone.
  • Hyperthyroidism is the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is underactivity. The parathyroid options relate to calcium regulation.
  • Conclude that thyrotoxicosis is the clinical syndrome that results from hyperthyroidism.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Complications of Thyroid Gland Disorders
  • Stem keywords: Thyrotoxicosis, complication
  • Lead-in keywords: is the complication of

Question ID

QWNyS7ayuMOyiuKlEulgXG

Reference Book

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed pp. 1074-1076, 1075-1077

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

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

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

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