Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

In clients with Graves' Disease, one notable symptom that psychiatric technicians might observe is exophthalmos, which is characterized by bulging eyes. This symptom occurs due to the inflammation and swelling of the tissues behind the eyes, a result of the autoimmune nature of Graves' Disease. The condition involves the overproduction of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroid symptoms that can also impact various bodily systems.

Exophthalmos is particularly associated with this disease because the increased production of thyroid hormones influences the metabolism of fat and other tissues around the eyes. As a result, the eyes can protrude, leading to an appearance that is noticeably different, which is a clear physical manifestation of the condition. This symptom can also have psychological effects on the client, impacting self-image and mental health.

Other symptoms such as weight gain, skin rashes, and constipation are not typical manifestations of Graves' Disease. Weight loss is more common due to the increased metabolism caused by hyperthyroidism, while skin rashes and constipation are not specifically associated with this thyroid disorder. Therefore, exophthalmos stands out as a key and observable symptom that a psychiatric technician should look for when assessing clients with Graves' Disease.