What is the name of the condition resulting from severe hypothyroidism?

Prepare for your NCLEX-RN with the Mark Klimek Yellow Book Test. Study using flashcards, multiple choice questions, and gain insights with detailed hints and explanations. Get ready for your nursing career!

The condition resulting from severe hypothyroidism is known as myxedema. Myxedema represents an advanced form of hypothyroidism where the body experiences significant deficiencies of thyroid hormones. It can lead to severe metabolic disturbances and changes in skin texture, where the skin becomes dry, thick, and swollen. Additionally, myxedema is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as coma.

Given the options provided, myxedema is explicitly linked to the consequences of untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism, distinguishing it from conditions like thyroid storm, which is associated with hyperthyroidism, or diabetes insipidus and Cushing's syndrome, which relate to other endocrine dysfunctions. Understanding this condition is crucial for recognizing the potential complications that can occur in individuals with longstanding hypothyroid conditions.

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