Your patient is a 72-year-old male patient who is conscious but slow to respond to questions and commands. He has become increasingly lethargic, unemotional, and easily fatigued over the past two months. He has had a decreased appetite and has gained weight over the same period. The patient further states, "I'm constipated and always cold." Which of the following additional signs or symptoms would be consistent with this patient presentation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of lethargy, unemotional state, fatigue, decreased appetite, weight gain, constipation, and feeling cold are consistent with hypothyroidism. Additionally, the puffy face, enlarged tongue, and pale, doughy skin are also common signs of hypothyroidism. A "moon-faced" appearance and hyperpigmentation of the skin (choice A) are signs of Cushing's syndrome. Hypothermia, tachycardia, and hypertension (choice C) can occur in severe hypothyroidism but are not consistent with the patient's presentation. Goiter, atrial fibrillation, nausea, and vomiting (choice D) are not specifically associated with hypothyroidism.

Your Patient Is a 72-Year-Old Male Patient Who Is Conscious