CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which clinical sign or symptom is typically expected in a patient with elevated TSH and low Free T4 levels?

1. Weight loss.

2. Excessive sweating.

3. Cold intolerance.

4. Palpitations.

The correct answer is: Cold intolerance.

In cases where a patient has elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and low Free T4 levels, this typically indicates hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall metabolic functions. Cold intolerance is a common clinical manifestation seen in hypothyroidism. Patients often express a heightened sensitivity to cold temperatures because thyroid hormones play a vital role in maintaining the body's metabolic rate and heat production. When these hormones are insufficient, as reflected by low Free T4 levels, the body's ability to generate heat is compromised, leading to discomfort in cold environments. In contrast, weight loss, excessive sweating, and palpitations are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. In that condition, individuals typically experience increased metabolism, elevated heart rates, and alterations in thermoregulation, which may lead to weight loss, sweating, and palpitations. Therefore, the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, including cold intolerance, align closely with the clinical findings of elevated TSH and low Free T4.