How is replacement therapy with levothyroxine monitored in primary hypothyroidism?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. By measuring serum TSH
- Step 1: In primary hypothyroidism the pituitary senses low thyroid hormone and raises TSH. Step 2. TSH therefore falls into the normal range when replacement is adequate. Answer: Serum TSH. Why not the others: Calcium is unrelated. Urine iodine reflects intake. The heart rate is a poor guide on its own.
Practise more Internal Medicine.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed ENAM Practice (Peru National Medical Examination) mock tests.
More Internal Medicine questions
- A 58-year-old man has crushing chest pain for 40 minutes. The ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III and aVF. Which artery is most likely o…
- Which drug is the usual first-line oral agent for a newly diagnosed adult with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function?
- A man with diabetic ketoacidosis has glucose 28 mmol/L, pH 7.1 and serum potassium 3.0 mmol/L before any treatment. What should be done firs…
- HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose over roughly which period?
- A 62-year-old man has fatigue, microcytic anaemia and a low ferritin. He has no bleeding symptoms. What is the most appropriate next step?
- A man with heart failure has a serum potassium of 6.4 mmol/L and the ECG shows peaked T waves and a widened QRS. What is the first treatment…