Medical Emergencies · single question
Hypothyroidism is best characterized clinically by which of the following symptoms?
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Correct answer: B. Lethargy, weight gain, cold intolerance
- A. Hypertension, flushing, and headache suggest a pheochromocytoma — not hypothyroidism.
- B. Correct. Hypothyroidism is characterized by a SLOWING of metabolism: lethargy/fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, depression, bradycardia, dry skin, and hair loss. Myxedema is the term for severe hypothyroidism.
- C. Palpitations, weight loss, and exophthalmos are signs of HYPERTHYROIDISM (Graves' disease), not hypothyroidism.
- D. Polyuria, polydipsia, and fatigue are classic signs of diabetes mellitus — not hypothyroidism.
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