Midwifery Exam Practice Questions Related

Review Midwifery Exam Practice Questions related questions and content

A patient with suspected Cushings syndrome is being evaluated to establish the diagnosis and cause. Patients with an adrenal tumor typically will demonstrate

  • A. Low ACTH and low cortisol
  • B. Low ACTH and high cortisol
  • C. High ACTH and low cortisol
  • D. High ACTH and high cortisol
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low ACTH and low cortisol. In a patient with an adrenal tumor causing Cushing's syndrome, the tumor itself produces excess cortisol independently of ACTH regulation. Therefore, ACTH levels are low due to negative feedback from high cortisol levels. As a result, cortisol levels are high, while ACTH levels are low.

Explanation for other choices:
B: Low ACTH and high cortisol - This suggests primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), not Cushing's syndrome.
C: High ACTH and low cortisol - This suggests secondary adrenal insufficiency, not Cushing's syndrome.
D: High ACTH and high cortisol - This is contradictory and not physiologically possible in the context of an adrenal tumor causing Cushing's syndrome.