🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 30-year-old woman presents with palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, and heat intolerance. Physical examination reveals a diffuse goiter and ophthalmopathy. Lab results show TSH <0.01 μIU/mL (normal 0.4-4.0) and free T4 3.5 ng/dL (normal 0.8-1.8). What is the most appropriate initial pharmacologic therapy?

A Levothyroxine
B Propylthiouracil or methimazole
C Radioactive iodine ablation
D Subtotal thyroidectomy

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The patient presents with symptoms and lab findings consistent with Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). Thionamides like propylthiouracil or methimazole are the first-line initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce thyroid hormone synthesis.

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