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.
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Melatonin from the pineal gland regulates ____.
- A. sleep-wake cycles.
- B. water balance.
- C. sexual development.
- D. Both A and C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Both A and C. Melatonin from the pineal gland regulates sleep-wake cycles (A) by influencing the body's internal clock. It also plays a role in sexual development (C) by influencing the release of reproductive hormones. Other choices, B (water balance), are regulated by hormones like ADH and aldosterone, not melatonin. The correct answer encompasses the functions of melatonin in both sleep regulation and sexual development.
Which of the following is least associated with the adrenal medulla?
- A. Catecholamines
- B. Epinephrine and norepinephrine
- C. Fight-or-flight response
- D. Sugar, salt, and sex
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the adrenal medulla is primarily involved in the production of catecholamines, specifically epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are associated with the fight-or-flight response. This response is triggered by stress and prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow. On the other hand, the regulation of sugar, salt, and sex hormones is mainly controlled by the adrenal cortex, not the adrenal medulla. Therefore, while choices A, B, and C are directly related to the adrenal medulla's function, choice D is least associated with it.
The enzyme amylase breaks down?
- A. Carbohydrates
- B. Proteins
- C. Fats
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carbohydrates. Amylase is an enzyme that specifically breaks down carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen, into simpler sugars like glucose. It does this by catalyzing the hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkages in polysaccharides. Proteins are broken down by protease enzymes, not amylase. Fats are broken down by lipase enzymes. Choice D is incomplete and does not provide a relevant option.
A patient with a recent drug poisoning is transported to the emergency department. The physician orders (correctly, in this case) administration of pralidoxime as part of the comprehensive emergency treatment plan. Which one of the following best describes who the patient was?
- A. A 13-year-old boy who took an overdose of amphetamine for his ADD/ADHD
- B. A 43-year-old who took an overdose of neostigmine, prescribed for her myasthenia gravis, in a suicide attempt
- C. A 6-year-old who got into the family medicine cabinet and took 10 'adult doses' of her dad's prazosin
- D. A farm/field worker accidentally doused with insecticide from an overflying crop-duster plane
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because pralidoxime is used to treat poisoning from organophosphate insecticides, which are commonly used in agriculture. The patient is likely a farm/field worker who was accidentally exposed to insecticide.
A: Amphetamine poisoning does not require pralidoxime.
B: Neostigmine is not an organophosphate insecticide.
C: Prazosin is not an organophosphate insecticide and is unlikely to require pralidoxime in this context.
In summary, the correct answer is D because the patient's exposure to insecticide aligns with the indication for pralidoxime use, while the other choices involve different substances that do not require pralidoxime treatment.
Complete the following sentence: Antidiuretic hormone is secreted from the…
- A. Adrenal cortex
- B. Thyroid gland
- C. Pancreas
- D. Posterior pituitary gland
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Posterior pituitary gland. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is produced in the hypothalamus and then transported to the posterior pituitary gland for secretion into the bloodstream. ADH plays a key role in regulating water balance by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidneys. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not the primary sites of ADH production and secretion. The adrenal cortex produces hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, the thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine, and the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon.