When a patient has clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism, which laboratory value should the nurse review to determine whether the hypothyroidism is caused by a problem with the anterior pituitary gland or with the thyroid gland?

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.

When a Patient Has Clinical Manifestations of Hypothyroidism, Which Laboratory