Which hormones should the nurse suspect alterations in for a patient undergoing evaluation?

The correct selection of thyroxine and TSH stems from their critical roles in the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis within the body. Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, is essential for metabolic processes, growth, and development. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. An alteration in the levels of these hormones can indicate thyroid dysfunction, which might be indicative of conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

When evaluating a patient for hormonal alterations, assessing TSH and thyroxine would be particularly important because abnormalities in this axis can lead to significant clinical manifestations such as weight changes, mood disturbances, and energy level fluctuations. These issues are often prompt signs that a nurse would monitor during an evaluation process.

While insulin and glucagon are also important for glucose homeostasis, their alterations are typically evaluated in the context of diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Estrogen and progesterone are key in reproductive health, and alterations generally relate to menstrual dysfunction or hormonal therapy, while cortisol and aldosterone are related to stress response and fluid balance. However, in the context of a general evaluation, the thyroid hormones (thyroxine and TSH) provide a broad insight into a