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The nurse caring for a toddler who is diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. Which of the following developmental delays should the nurse recognize as the priority concern if the condition is left untreated?

A.

Delayed cognitive abilities

B.

Delayed social interactions

C.

Delayed language development

D.

Delayed motor skills

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Delayed cognitive abilities. Cognitive impairment is the most serious consequence of untreated congenital hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are critical for brain development, especially in infancy and early childhood. Severe intellectual disability can result if treatment is delayed, making early diagnosis and levothyroxine therapy essential. 

B. Delayed social interactions. While social development may be indirectly affected by hypothyroidism due to lethargy, poor responsiveness, or developmental delays, it is not as critical as cognitive delays, which can lead to permanent intellectual disability. 

C. Delayed language development. Language delays are common in hypothyroidism but often stem from underlying cognitive impairment. Early treatment with thyroid hormone replacement can improve language development over time. 

D. Delayed motor skills. Hypothyroidism can cause hypotonia (low muscle tone), leading to motor skill delays. However, motor delays are less concerning than irreversible cognitive impairment, which has the most significant long-term impact on the child's quality of life.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Your child will have the final say in all decisions regarding palliative care." While the child's preferences and wishes should be considered, decision-making typically involves collaboration between the child, parents, and healthcare team to ensure the best possible care.

B. "The primary goal of palliative care is to improve your child's quality of life." Palliative care focuses on enhancing comfort, relieving symptoms, and providing emotional, social, and spiritual support for the child and their family, regardless of disease prognosis.

C. "Palliative care only addresses your child's physical and mental needs." Palliative care is holistic, addressing not just physical and mental needs but also emotional, spiritual, and social well-being for both the child and their family.

D. "Palliative care will begin once your child has been given 6 months left to live." Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care. It can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatments, to improve the child's overall well-being.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Ask the parents to escort the child's sibling to the family lounge so they are not in the child's room. Removing the sibling from the room does not address their distress or emotional needs. Siblings of hospitalized children may experience fear, anxiety, or feelings of exclusion, and they need support, not isolation.

B. Consult the child life specialist to provide age-appropriate activities and emotional support to the sibling. Child life specialists are trained to help children understand and cope with hospitalization through play, education, and emotional support. They can help the sibling process their emotions in an age-appropriate way.

C. Provide the sibling with coloring pages and crayons to keep them occupied in the child's room. While coloring can be a helpful distraction, it does not address the sibling’s distress or provide the emotional support they may need to understand their sibling’s condition.

D. Offer the sibling a tour of the hospital unit to help them become more familiar with the environment. A tour may help the child feel more comfortable, but it does not directly address their distress or emotions regarding their sibling’s hospitalization.

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