Which metabolic manifestations are likely to be observed in a client with hypothyroidism? (Choose the most characteristic symptom from the list below.)

Which metabolic manifestations are likely to be observed in a client with hypothyroidism? (Choose the most characteristic symptom from the list below.)

• A. Impaired memory
• B. Intolerance to cold
• C. Difficulty breathing
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Hypothyroidism slows the body's metabolism, so heat production drops and the basal metabolic rate decreases. This reduced heat generation makes a person feel unusually cold, which is the most characteristic metabolic manifestation of this condition. While impaired memory can occur due to overall slowing of body processes, it isn’t the defining metabolic sign. Difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure aren’t the hallmark metabolic changes you’d expect with hypothyroidism. So, intolerance to cold best reflects the metabolic slowdown caused by low thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism slows the body's metabolism, so heat production drops and the basal metabolic rate decreases. This reduced heat generation makes a person feel unusually cold, which is the most characteristic metabolic manifestation of this condition. While impaired memory can occur due to overall slowing of body processes, it isn’t the defining metabolic sign. Difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure aren’t the hallmark metabolic changes you’d expect with hypothyroidism. So, intolerance to cold best reflects the metabolic slowdown caused by low thyroid hormone.