Which clinical manifestations are associated with hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism results from excess thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) circulating in the body, which accelerates nearly every metabolic process. Two hallmark manifestations are exophthalmos (proptosis of the eyes, especially in Graves' disease, due to retro-orbital inflammation) and increased appetite, which occurs because the elevated metabolic rate drives hunger even as the client loses weight. Other classic signs include heat intolerance, diaphoresis, nervousness, tremor, and weight loss despite increased food intake. Decreased blood levels of T3 and T4 would indicate hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism; TSH is typically suppressed (low) in hyperthyroidism because the pituitary detects excess hormone via negative feedback. Bradycardia and hypothermia are manifestations of hypothyroidism, where the slowed metabolism reduces heart rate and heat production. Fatigue and weight gain are also characteristic of hypothyroidism, where the sluggish metabolism leads to decreased energy and accumulation of body mass. Therefore, exophthalmos and increased appetite correctly identify hyperthyroid manifestations.