What physical examination finding would likely be present in a patient with suspected congenital hypothyroidism?

In a patient with suspected congenital hypothyroidism, the finding of absent deep tendon reflexes is significant. This condition often leads to a generalized decrease in muscle tone, which can manifest as hypotonia. As a result, the reflexes may be diminished or absent in affected infants. Congenital hypothyroidism can have profound effects on the neuromuscular system due to the lack of thyroid hormones crucial for normal growth and metabolism.

Understanding this relationship is essential, as it illustrates how hormonal imbalances can directly impact neurological functions, including reflexes, in the infant population. While other options such as increased muscle tone, excessive crying, and normal thermal regulation are important to consider during a physical examination, they do not align with the characteristic features of congenital hypothyroidism as closely as absent deep tendon reflexes do in this context.