Which physical assessment finding is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by an overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can lead to various physiological changes in the body. One of the hallmark physical assessment findings associated with hyperthyroidism is the presence of a goiter.

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can occur due to the increased stimulation of the thyroid tissue by excessive hormone production. In hyperthyroid patients, this enlargement often results from conditions such as Graves' disease, where an autoimmune response leads to the stimulation of the thyroid. The goiter might be smooth or nodular, and its presence often correlates with other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased appetite, sweating, and palpitations.

The other options—pallor, facial edema, and cold skin—are typically more associated with hypothyroidism or other conditions rather than hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, individuals may exhibit pallor, as well as facial and peripheral edema, along with cold skin due to decreased metabolism. Therefore, the presence of a goiter is a significant and common finding when assessing patients for hyperthyroidism.