Which exam finding is consistent with Graves' disease?

In Graves' disease, which is a form of hyperthyroidism, several characteristic clinical findings can be observed. One significant finding is eyelid retraction, also known as lid lag or exophthalmos in the context of thyroid eye disease associated with Graves' disease. This occurs due to the overactivity of the thyroid gland, which can lead to an increase in the sympathetic nervous system activity affecting the muscles controlling eyelid movement.

When eyelid retraction is present, it results in the upper eyelids being positioned higher than normal, creating a distinctive appearance often associated with the disease. This finding represents not just an ocular symptom but also ties into the systemic effects of hyperthyroidism as seen in Graves' disease, where various tissues, including the eyes, become affected. Recognizing eyelid retraction as a clinical sign is important for diagnosis and differentiating it from other conditions that do not exhibit this ocular manifestation.

The other options presented—such as increased heart rate and decreased appetite—are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in general but are not as specific as eyelid retraction when it comes to identifying Graves' disease. Weight gain is typically associated with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, making eyelid retraction the hallmark finding