Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should a nurse recommend for parents caring for a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism?

1. Periodic monitoring of hormone levels

2. Life-long administration of thyroid hormone

3. Administering vitamin D supplements

4. Regular follow-up for metabolic disorders

The correct answer is: Life-long administration of thyroid hormone

For a newborn diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, the primary goal of treatment is to ensure adequate thyroid hormone levels, as the condition leads to a deficiency in hormones that are crucial for growth and brain development. Life-long administration of thyroid hormone is necessary because congenital hypothyroidism is generally a permanent condition, requiring ongoing management to support normal growth and cognitive development. Regular monitoring of hormone levels is important to adjust medication dosage, but the foundational treatment involves the consistent administration of thyroid hormones. Therefore, while periodic monitoring (which may also be included in broader care strategies) is part of managing the condition, it does not replace the need for life-long hormone therapy, which is essential for the child's overall health and well-being. Administering vitamin D supplements and regular follow-up for metabolic disorders may be beneficial for a child's overall health but are not specific or primary interventions for congenital hypothyroidism itself. Instead, the focus remains on ensuring that the child receives the appropriate thyroid medication consistently.