A 67-year-old woman with a 1.5 cm thyroid nodule is best assessed by:

To properly assess a thyroid nodule, particularly in a patient who is 67 years old, the most effective approach involves utilizing a combination of tests that can evaluate the function and structure of the thyroid gland.

In this case, performing a TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) test along with an ultrasound is a prudent method. The TSH test helps determine if the nodule is functioning normally (euthyroid) or if it might be hyperfunctioning (overactive). The ultrasound complements this by providing important imaging that can characterize the nodule's features, helping to determine if it has suspicious characteristics that may indicate malignancy.

While other options may be useful in different contexts, TSH and ultrasound give a comprehensive view that is often the first step in assessing thyroid nodules, especially in older adults who are at higher risk for thyroid cancer. This combination can guide further management and whether a fine needle aspiration biopsy might be needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Using a CT scan is less common because it involves ionizing radiation and does not provide the functional information that a TSH test offers. Simply relying on physical examination or opting for fine needle aspiration as the initial step could delay diagnosis and management of potentially malignant conditions. Thus, option