A 27-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 2-month history of palpitations, diaphoresis, and a 5-kg (11-lb) weight loss. Her pulse is 101/min and blood pressure is 141/84 mm Hg. On physical examination, there is lid lag, moderate exophthalmos, and fine tremors of the outstretched hands. After the diagnosis is made, she is prescribed propranolol for immediate symptom control. Which of the following findings is most likely to persist in this patient despite this therapy?

Question

A 27-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 2-month history of palpitations, diaphoresis, and a 5-kg (11-lb) weight loss. Her pulse is 101/min and blood pressure is 141/84 mm Hg. On physical examination, there is lid lag, moderate exophthalmos, and fine tremors of the outstretched hands.  After the diagnosis is made, she is prescribed propranolol for immediate symptom control.  Which of the following findings is most likely to persist in this patient despite this therapy?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Hyperthyroidism causes a hyperadrenergic state characterized by hypertension, palpitations/tachycardia, sweating, heat intolerance, tremor, and hyperreflexia.  Beta blockers can relieve these symptoms.  Exophthalmos in Graves disease is due to an immune-mediated increase in orbital soft tissue mass and does not improve with beta blockers.

A 27-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because of a 2-Month