A 34-year-old male complains of extreme fatigue and weakness,lightheadedness,anorexia,and unintentional weight loss of 20 pounds over the last month.The patient has a history of tuberculosis as a child from age 4.Current tuberculin PPD is pending.On physical examination,the patient is afebrile with heart rate 110 beats/min. ,resps 18 breaths / min,and BP 100/50.He has a tanned complexion,thin and frail looking,and looks younger than stated age.Heart: tachycardia,regular rate and rhythm.Lungs are clear to auscultation.Abdomen non-tender with no organomegaly.Extremities show no significant findings.No neurological deficits.C-x-ray demonstrates area of scar tissue.These signs and symptoms are characteristic of:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of Addison's disease, which is caused by a deficiency of adrenal hormones. The patient's tanned complexion could be a result of increased ACTH (from lack of feedback inhibition) stimulating melanin production. The area of scar tissue on the CXR could be related to previous tuberculosis infection. The symptoms are not consistent with congestive heart failure or Cushing's disease. The pending tuberculin PPD may be positive, but the patient's symptoms are not specifically indicative of active tuberculosis.

A 34-Year-Old Male Complains of Extreme Fatigue and Weakness,lightheadedness,anorexia,and Unintentional