A 50-year-old woman reports in her medical history that her mother has Graves' disease, so the woman is concerned about having the condition as well. Which of the following symptoms would suggest that she does indeed have this disorder?
A. She suffers from increased blood pressure and heartbeat.
B. Her blood glucose levels are low.
C. Her breasts are secreting milk spontaneously.
D. Her neck area is enlarged.
25. A 50-year-old woman reports in her medical history that her mother has Graves' disease, so the woman is concerned about having the condition as well. Which of the following symptoms would suggest that she does indeed have this disorder?
A. Her blood glucose levels are low. B. She suffers from increased blood pressure and heartbeat. C. Her breasts are secreting milk spontaneously.
D. Her neck area is enlarged.
To determine which symptoms would suggest that the woman has Graves' disease, we need to understand what Graves' disease is. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones.
Symptoms of Graves' disease can vary, but there are a few key signs to look out for. Let's analyze each option:
A. Increased blood pressure and heartbeat: This symptom is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, which is a characteristic feature of Graves' disease. Excessive thyroid hormone production can lead to a rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. This option is a possible indicator of the condition.
B. Low blood glucose levels: Low blood glucose levels are not typically associated with Graves' disease. While this symptom can occur in some cases of hyperthyroidism, it is not specific to Graves' disease. This option is less likely to suggest the presence of Graves' disease.
C. Spontaneous breast milk secretion: Spontaneous breast milk secretion, known as galactorrhea, is unrelated to Graves' disease. It is generally associated with hormonal imbalances involving prolactin, which is not directly affected by thyroid abnormalities. This option is unlikely to be a symptom of Graves' disease.
D. Enlarged neck area: An enlarged neck area, specifically an enlarged thyroid gland known as a goiter, is a classic sign of Graves' disease. The thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces excess hormones, causing the gland to enlarge. This option is a possible indicator of Graves' disease.
Based on the given options, the symptoms that would suggest that the woman has Graves' disease are increased blood pressure and heartbeat (option A) and an enlarged neck area (option D). These symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional for a definitive diagnosis.