Question

Anya Mikovich is a 35-year-old patient who presents to the office complaining of restlessness, heart

palpitations, tremors, and sweating. She states, "I am unable to relax and have been sweating a lot
recently. I always feel hot." She is displaying exophthalmos and has lost 6 pounds since her last visit
3 months ago, although she claims she hasn't been trying to lose weight. Given her signs and
symptoms, what endocrine disorder might the physician assume is afflicting this patient? Is this a
condition that could be passed down to her children? What sign is unique to this condition as
opposed to other endocrine disorders?

Answer 1

The physician might assume Anya Mikovich has hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. This condition can be passed down to children and is unique from other endocrine disorders due to the presence of exophthalmos.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician might assume that Anya Mikovich is afflicted with hyperthyroidism based on her signs and symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive, leading to an increased metabolic rate and various symptoms such as restlessness, heart palpitations, tremors, sweating, weight loss, and heat intolerance. One unique sign of hyperthyroidism as opposed to other endocrine disorders is exophthalmos, which is the protrusion of the eyeballs due to swelling of the tissues behind the eyes.

Hyperthyroidism can be passed down to her children, as it can have a genetic component. However, it is important to note that not all cases of hyperthyroidism are inherited. Some cases may occur due to autoimmune problems or other factors.