Question

Clara Simmons, a 62 year old patient, has come to the medical office with a complaint of weight gain and puffy hands and feet. "This isn't like me,," she says. "I exercise regularly and watch my diet." When you check her vital signs, you find that her blood pressure is 84/50, her heart rate is 56, and her respirations are 12. For which of the following disorders might you expect the physician to test?

Answer 1

Given Clara Simmons' symptoms of weight gain, puffy hands and feet, low blood pressure (84/50), low heart rate (56), and low respiratory rate (12), it is indicative of hypothyroidism. The physician may test for thyroid disorders, especially considering the classic signs of myxedema, a manifestation of severe hypothyroidism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clara Simmons' clinical presentation strongly suggests hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The symptoms of weight gain, puffiness (edema) in the hands and feet, and the characteristic low blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate align with myxedema, a severe form of hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism; hence, their deficiency can lead to various systemic manifestations.

In hypothyroidism, the decreased metabolic activity results in weight gain, while the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in connective tissues causes edema, contributing to the puffiness in the extremities. The low blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are reflective of the overall decreased metabolic demand.

Clara's symptoms highlight the need for thyroid function tests, such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine), to assess the functioning of her thyroid gland. A comprehensive evaluation of thyroid function aids in diagnosing and managing hypothyroidism, allowing for appropriate treatment and symptom relief.