Advanced Pathophysiology Proctored Exam
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Advanced Pathophysiology Proctored Exam
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Question: 1 of 49Advanced Pathophysiology Proctored Exam
A 50-year-old female with Graves disease will most likely have which one of the following symptoms?
Explanation
Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that cause hyperthyroidism, resulting in an elevated metabolic rate and multi-organ hyperactivity. A. Hypotension is typically associated with Addisonian crisis or hypothyroid states like myxedema. In Graves disease, the stimulatory effect of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system increases beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to hypertension, specifically widened pulse pressure and sinus tachycardia rather than low blood pressure. B. This constellation of symptoms is more indicative of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or pituitary tumors. While Graves can cause exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyes), it does not typically present with hirsutism or primary infertility in the same manner as androgen-excess disorders or primary pituitary failure. C. These clinical manifestations are hallmark signs of hypothyroidism, such as Hashimoto thyroiditis. In that condition, the basal metabolic rate is significantly reduced, leading to heat conservation issues, decreased erythropoiesis causing pallor, and significant CNS depression that manifests as clinical lethargy and mental sluggishness. D. This is the correct clinical presentation because excess T3 and T4 hormones increase the body's sensitivity to catecholamines. This leads to a fine resting tremor and heat intolerance due to thermogenesis. Increased appetite occurs as a compensatory mechanism for the hypermetabolic state and rapid caloric depletion.
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