Final answer:
The term 'lethargic' refers to being difficult to arouse and indicates a state of sluggishness that could signify an underlying medical condition. This lethargy might be associated with symptoms like weight gain and fatigue seen in hypothyroidism, where there is a deficiency of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "lethargic," as used in the context of the nurse's report, means that the patient was difficult to arouse. This term describes a state of sluggishness, drowsiness, and a lack of energy, often suggesting a pathological condition.
When specifically referring to a patient, lethargy can indicate an underlying health issue that needs medical assessment.
Symptoms such as weight loss, profuse sweating, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping could suggest hyperthyroidism or another systemic condition requiring medical evaluation.
In contrast, someone like Terry with weight gain and fatigue might suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition where a deficiency in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) leads to a slowed metabolism and thus symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.
Pathological lethargy is a concerning symptom and could be a sign of various medical conditions, which could range from metabolic imbalances to neurological disorders.
It is essential for healthcare professionals to investigate all related symptoms and perform appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause of lethargy and to prescribe suitable treatment. Option b. is the correct one.