What symptoms might indicate a patient has hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, leading to a range of distinct symptoms. The symptoms listed in choice B—exophthalmos and weight loss—are classic manifestations of this condition.

Exophthalmos, or protrusion of the eyes, is particularly associated with Graves' disease, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding tissues, leading to the characteristic bulging appearance. Weight loss in hyperthyroidism is primarily due to the increased metabolism caused by the excess thyroid hormones, resulting in a caloric deficit despite normal or increased appetite.

In contrast, increased sweating and fatigue are also common as hyperthyroidism can lead to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity, but they are less specific than the combination of exophthalmos and weight loss. Cold intolerance and weight gain, as well as thinning hair and depression, are typically linked to hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, indicating that these options do not fit the clinical picture of hyperthyroidism.