A patient is admitted with possible Graves disease (hyperthyroidism). Which assessment finding supports this diagnosis?

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Multiple Choice

A patient is admitted with possible Graves disease (hyperthyroidism). Which assessment finding supports this diagnosis?

Explanation:
Graves disease often presents with eye involvement called Graves ophthalmopathy, where inflammation and accumulation of tissue behind the eyes push them forward, producing exophthalmos. This outward protrusion is highly characteristic of Graves and helps link the hyperthyroid state to the autoimmune process targeting orbit tissues. Periorbital edema can occur, but it is less specific. A slow heart rate would be unlikely in hyperthyroidism, which typically causes tachycardia, and a hoarse voice is not a classic feature of Graves ophthalmopathy. Thus, exophthalmos best supports the diagnosis.

Graves disease often presents with eye involvement called Graves ophthalmopathy, where inflammation and accumulation of tissue behind the eyes push them forward, producing exophthalmos. This outward protrusion is highly characteristic of Graves and helps link the hyperthyroid state to the autoimmune process targeting orbit tissues. Periorbital edema can occur, but it is less specific. A slow heart rate would be unlikely in hyperthyroidism, which typically causes tachycardia, and a hoarse voice is not a classic feature of Graves ophthalmopathy. Thus, exophthalmos best supports the diagnosis.

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