palpation
What is the primary purpose of palpation when examining the thyroid gland?
To assess the size, shape, consistency, mobility, and the presence of nodules or tenderness.
What general physical signs can be observed during inspection in patients with endocrine disorders?
Changes in body weight, facial features, skin texture, hair distribution, and overall body proportions.
What is the main purpose of percussion in the physical examination of endocrine disorders?
To assess enlargement of organs such as the thyroid or detect abnormalities related to metabolic or endocrine complications.
What is the primary laboratory test used to evaluate thyroid function?
The TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test, often combined with free T4 and free T3 levels.
What is the most common instrumental method used to evaluate the thyroid gland?
Thyroid ultrasound, which assesses size, structure, nodules, and vascularity.
How is the thyroid gland palpated during a physical examination?
the examiner stands behind the patient, places fingers on both sides of the trachea, asks the patient to swallow, and feels the thyroid lobes as they move upward.
What facial features may suggest acromegaly during inspection?
Enlarged jaw, prominent brow ridges, enlarged nose, and thickened lips.
Why is percussion used to evaluate retrosternal goiter?
Because dullness over the upper mediastinum may indicate that part of the thyroid gland has extended behind the sternum.
Which laboratory test is essential for diagnosing diabetes mellitus?
Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or the oral glucose tolerance test.
Which instrumental method is used to measure thyroid gland function visually?
Thyroid scintigraphy (radioisotope scan), which evaluates uptake and functional activity.
What finding during palpation may indicate thyroiditis?
A tender, enlarged, and sometimes firm thyroid gland.
What skin changes are commonly seen in patients with hyperthyroidism during inspection?
Warm, moist skin, increased sweating, and possible thinning of hair.
What percussion finding may suggest tracheal deviation in patients with a large goiter?
Asymmetry in resonance over the upper chest due to displacement of airway structures.
What laboratory marker is commonly used to assess adrenal function?
Serum cortisol levels, often measured with an ACTH stimulation test.
What imaging technique is preferred to assess pituitary gland disorders?
MRI of the brain with focus on the pituitary region.
What does a “fixed” thyroid nodule during palpation suggest?
Possible malignancy or invasion into surrounding tissues.
What visual finding on the neck may indicate an enlarged thyroid gland?
A visible swelling or bulging in the anterior neck, especially noticeable when the patient swallows.
What percussion finding may be present in patients with endocrine-related pleural effusion (e.g., severe hypothyroidism)?
Dullness over the affected lung field due to fluid accumulation.
Which laboratory test helps diagnose hyperparathyroidism?
Elevated serum calcium combined with increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
Which instrumental method helps detect adrenal tumors?
CT scan or MRI of the adrenal glands.
What should the examiner assess when palpating lymph nodes in suspected endocrine disorders?
Size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness of cervical lymph nodes, especially in cases of suspected thyroid cancer.
What changes in eye appearance can be observed in Graves’ disease during inspection?
Exophthalmos, lid retraction, lid lag, and a staring appearance.
How can percussion help evaluate adrenal enlargement indirectly?
By identifying changes in the area overlying the kidneys, such as increased dullness, although this method is limited and not highly specific.
What blood test is used to evaluate pituitary prolactin-secreting disorders?
Serum prolactin level measurement.
What instrumental method is used to measure bone density in endocrine disorders such as hyperparathyroidism or osteoporosis?
DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry).