A 34-year-old female, conscious, alert, and oriented, is complaining of a three-week history of increased appetite, weight loss, weakness, insomnia, and inability to tolerate heat. She has recently been frequently agitated and prone to mood swings. Based on these signs and symptoms, which of the following best describes the additional findings you could expect?
A) Hyperpigmentation of the skin and hirsutism
B) Heart block and hypotension
C) Enlarged tongue and cool, puffy skin
D) Exophthalmos and goiter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms are suggestive of hyperthyroidism, and the additional findings of exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes) and goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck) suggest the diagnosis of Graves' disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperpigmentation and hirsutism are associated with Cushing's syndrome, while heart block and hypotension are not typically seen in hyperthyroidism. Enlargement of the tongue and cool, puffy skin may indicate myxedema, which is associated with hypothyroidism.

A 34-Year-Old Female, Conscious, Alert, and Oriented, Is Complaining of a Three-Week