A newborn female is discovered to have congenital adrenogenital hyperplasia. What will the nurse most likely observe when assessing this patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a syndrome that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, which causes the adrenal glands to not be able to synthesize cortisol. Because the adrenal gland is unable to produce cortisol, the level of ACTH secreted by the pituitary in an attempt to stimulate the gland to increase function is increased. Although the adrenals enlarge under the effect of ACTH, they still cannot produce cortisol but rather overproduce androgen. Excessive androgen production during intrauterine life masculinizes the genital organs in a female fetus so that the clitoris is so enlarged it appears to be a penis. This disorder does not cause divergent vision. The child will not be born small for gestational age. This disorder does not cause abnormal facial features.

A Newborn Female Is Discovered to Have Congenital Adrenogenital Hyperplasia