Registered Nurse (RN) Endocrine Licensure Exam

A patient reports insufficient iodine intake in their diet. What condition are they most susceptible to?

1. Pheochromocytoma.

2. Hyperthyroidism.

3. Thyroid Storm.

4. Hypothyroidism.

The correct answer is: Hypothyroidism.

A patient with insufficient iodine intake in their diet is most susceptible to hypothyroidism because iodine is an essential component for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are crucial for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. When iodine levels are low, the thyroid cannot produce sufficient amounts of these hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold due to a slowed metabolism. Additionally, in areas where iodine deficiency is common, goiter can occur as the thyroid gland enlarges in an effort to capture more iodine from the bloodstream. The other conditions listed do not directly result from iodine deficiency. Pheochromocytoma is a type of tumor affecting the adrenal glands, hyperthyroidism results from excessive thyroid hormone production (often due to conditions such as Graves' disease), and thyroid storm is a severe and acute exacerbation of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, identifying the link between iodine intake and thyroid hormone synthesis underscores why hypothyroidism is the most relevant condition in this context.