What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome?
- A. Ectopic ACTH production
- B. Adrenal adenoma
- C. Glucocorticoid treatment (iatrogenic)
- D. Pituitary adenoma
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is a pituitary adenoma, specifically a corticotroph adenoma. This adenoma leads to excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce high levels of cortisol. This results in the symptoms and signs characteristic of Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary adenomas are responsible for around 70-80% of cases of Cushing's syndrome, making it the most common cause.
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Diabetes Insipidus is a deficiency of what hormone?
- A. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
- B. Vasopressin
- C. Aldosterone
- D. Insulin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is a condition characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate water balance, leading to excessive urination and extreme thirst. This disorder is caused by a deficiency of vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Vasopressin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland to help regulate water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. The lack of vasopressin in Diabetes Insipidus results in the kidneys producing a large volume of dilute urine, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of all the following except
- A. Diabetes mellitus
- B. Cancer
- C. Hypertension
- D. Chronic obstructive lung disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing various health conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, and hypertension. However, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is not directly linked to obesity. COPD is primarily caused by exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly from cigarette smoke. While obesity can impact lung function and worsen symptoms in individuals with COPD, it is not a direct cause of the condition. Therefore, the correct answer is D, chronic obstructive lung disease.
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4):
- A. increase metabolic rate.
- B. are hydrophilic as they are made from amino acids.
- C. contain iron atoms in ferrous form.
- D. stimulate the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; thyrotropin).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Thyroid hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), play a crucial role in regulating metabolism in the body. They are responsible for increasing the metabolic rate of cells by influencing the production of proteins and controlling how the body uses energy. This increase in metabolic rate results in processes such as increased heart rate, enhanced nutrient breakdown, and higher body temperature. Thus, option A, "increase metabolic rate," is the correct statement regarding thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Karyotype 47, XYY is:
- A. True hermaphroditism
- B. Supermale
- C. Klinefelter's syndrome
- D. Gonadal dysgenesis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Karyotype 47, XYY refers to the presence of an extra Y chromosome in males. This condition is known as XYY syndrome, also called Jacob's syndrome. Individuals with XYY syndrome are typically phenotypically male but may have some associated physical and behavioral characteristics. These individuals are often referred to as "supermales" due to the presence of the extra Y chromosome. This is different from true hermaphroditism, Klinefelter's syndrome, and gonadal dysgenesis, which have distinct chromosomal patterns and manifestations.
All the following drugs are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in adults except:
- A. Cyclosporine
- B. Heparin
- C. Prednisone
- D. Ranitidine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ranitidine is not associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in adults. It is a histamine-2 blocker commonly used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. On the other hand, the other options listed are known to increase the risk of osteoporosis: