Chapter 17 Endocrine System Test Questions Related

Review Chapter 17 Endocrine System Test Questions related questions and content

A 46-year-old woman has hirsutism, hyperglycemia, obesity, muscle wasting, and increased ACTH. The most likely cause of her symptoms is

  • A. primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison disease)
  • B. pheochromocytoma
  • C. primary overproduction of ACTH (Cushing disease)
  • D. treatment with exogenous glucocorticoids
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: primary overproduction of ACTH (Cushing disease). In this case, the symptoms match those of Cushing syndrome, which is characterized by excess cortisol production. The increased ACTH levels are indicative of the pituitary gland overproducing ACTH, leading to excess cortisol. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not match the symptoms presented. Choice D is incorrect because exogenous glucocorticoids would not lead to increased ACTH levels.