A patient has clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. To determine whether the low thyroid level is caused by a problem with the anterior pituitary gland or with the thyroid gland, which value will the nurse check in the patient's chart?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A low TSH level indicates that the patient's hypothyroidism is caused by decreased anterior pituitary secretion of TSH. Low T₃ and T₄ levels are not diagnostic of the primary cause of the hypothyroidism. TRH levels indicate the function of the hypothalamus.

A Patient Has Clinical Manifestations of Hypothyroidism