A nurse is assessing a client with suspected hyperthyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Weight loss is a common finding in hyperthyroidism due to increased metabolic rate from elevated thyroid hormone levels. Thyroxine accelerates basal metabolism, increasing calorie expenditure, leading to unintentional weight loss despite normal or increased appetite. This catabolic state affects fat and muscle, making it a key clinical sign. Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not associated with hyperthyroidism. Excessive thyroid hormone stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing tachycardia to meet increased metabolic demands. Bradycardia may occur in hypothyroidism, where metabolism slows, but in hyperthyroidism, heart rate increases, often accompanied by palpitations, reflecting heightened cardiovascular activity. Choice C reason: Cold intolerance is characteristic of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, increased metabolic heat production causes heat intolerance and excessive sweating. Patients feel warm due to elevated thyroid hormone levels accelerating cellular metabolism, making cold intolerance an unlikely finding in this condition. Choice D reason: Lethargy is not typical in hyperthyroidism. Elevated thyroid hormones increase energy expenditure, leading to restlessness, nervousness, or hyperactivity. Lethargy is more common in hypothyroidism, where low hormone levels slow metabolism, causing fatigue. Hyperthyroidism patients often report insomnia or increased energy, not sluggishness or lethargy.