A nurse notes that a client's eyes are protruding slightly from their orbits. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Decreased calcium levels: Hypocalcemia may cause neuromuscular symptoms such as tetany or tingling but is not associated with exophthalmos (protruding eyes). Calcium imbalance does not typically cause changes in eye appearance. B. Decreased somatotropin levels: Somatotropin (growth hormone) deficiency may lead to growth delay or reduced muscle mass, but it is not associated with changes in orbital appearance. Protruding eyes are unrelated to growth hormone levels. C. Increased glucose levels: Elevated glucose is characteristic of diabetes mellitus and may lead to complications like neuropathy or retinopathy, but it does not cause eye protrusion. D. Increased T4 levels: Elevated thyroxine (T4) is seen in hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease, which is strongly associated with exophthalmos. The protrusion results from inflammation and edema of orbital tissues, a hallmark of this thyroid disorder.