Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Get the confidence you need to pass your exam and advance your career in emergency medical services!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Why do patients with hypothyroidism often gain weight?

Increased appetite
Decreased metabolism
Fluid retention
Hormonal imbalance

The correct answer is: Decreased metabolism

Patients with hypothyroidism often experience weight gain primarily due to a decrease in metabolism. The thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolic rate. When the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough of these hormones, the body's ability to convert food into energy slows down significantly. This reduced metabolic rate means that the body burns fewer calories, leading to weight gain if caloric intake remains unchanged. While other factors such as increased appetite, fluid retention, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight changes, the key factor in hypothyroidism-related weight gain is the decreased metabolism. This results in an energy surplus where the body stores excess calories as fat rather than utilizing them efficiently. Thus, understanding the link between thyroid function and metabolism is essential for managing weight in patients with hypothyroidism.