Question

A patient who has gained 40 lbs in the past 3 months goes to her physician with complaints of fatigue. She is found to have a goiter and a decreased metabolic rate. Based on this information, the patient most likely has a deficiency of...

Answer 1

Based on the symptoms of weight gain, fatigue, goiter, and a decreased metabolic rate, the patient is likely suffering from hypothyroidism, usually caused by a deficiency of iodine.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient experiencing symptoms such as a significant weight gain of 40 lbs, fatigue, the presence of a goiter, and a decreased metabolic rate, is most likely experiencing hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. This condition often results from a deficiency of thyroid hormones due to a lack of dietary iodine, as iodine is an essential component in the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. With inadequate T3 and T4, the body's metabolism slows down, leading to symptoms such as weight gain and fatigue. In areas where iodized salt is not common, iodine deficiency is a prominent cause of goiter and hypothyroidism. On the other hand, excess production of thyroid hormones, known as hyperthyroidism, would lead to symptoms opposite to those described, such as weight loss and an increased heart rate.