At the Clinic Quiz

Endocrine System
Prepared by Marc Walters, M.D., Portland Community College



Linda Johnson, a 40 year-old female, reported to her family physician a three-month history of gradually progressive constipation. She told her physician that prior to three months ago, her bowel movements were normal and occurred once every day. Currently she was having only one bowel movement every three days. Linda also told her physician that she felt cold all the time; when her family members were comfortable in a room with the thermostat set at 70°, she felt cold unless it was turned up to 74°.

Past medical history: negative.

Physical Examination:
Weight: 160 pounds (increase of 20 pounds from one year ago).
Height: 5 feet, 2 inches.
Temperature: 96.8° Fahrenheit.
Respirations: 12.
Pulse: 46.
Blood Pressure 110/85.
Skin: Dry without any obvious rash.
Head: Thinner than normal and very dry.
Neck: Thyroid gland mildly enlarged and nontender.
Neurologic exam: Deep tendon reflexes such as the ankle jerks showed slight "hang-up" -- the relaxation phase seemed prolonged.

QUESTIONS
Answer the questions below to demonstrate your knowledge.
Answers are available in the Instructor Resources section of this site.