Which of the following is true of the hypothalamus?
- A. Secretes releasing hormones into the portal capillaries
- B. Composed of glandular tissue
- C. Called the adenohypophysis
- D. Connected to the neurohypophysis by the portal capillaries
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the hypothalamus secretes releasing hormones into the portal capillaries, which then travel to the anterior pituitary to regulate hormone secretion. This is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Choices B and C are incorrect because the hypothalamus is not composed of glandular tissue and it is not called the adenohypophysis. Choice D is incorrect because the connection between the hypothalamus and the neurohypophysis is via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract, not through the portal capillaries.
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Which factor stimulates insulin secretion?
- A. thiazide diuretics
- B. phenytoin
- C. theophylline
- D. β blockers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: theophylline. Theophylline stimulates insulin secretion by increasing cAMP levels in pancreatic beta cells, leading to enhanced insulin release. Thiazide diuretics (A) can actually reduce insulin secretion. Phenytoin (B) and beta blockers (D) are known to inhibit insulin secretion. Therefore, theophylline is the only choice that directly stimulates insulin secretion.
The patient with adrenal insufficiency is to be discharged taking prednisone 10 mg orally each day. What will you be sure to teach the patient?
- A. Report excessive weight gain or swelling to the physician.
- B. Rapid changes of position may cause hypotension.
- C. A diet with foods high in potassium may be beneficial.
- D. Signs of hypoglycemia may occur while taking this drug.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients taking prednisone for adrenal insufficiency should be advised that rapid changes of position can lead to hypotension due to the body's decreased ability to regulate blood pressure.
Adrenaline is NOT given orally because:
- A. It is inactivated in the gut mucosa
- B. Local vasoconstriction inhibits absorption
- C. It is rapidly inactivated in circulation
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Adrenaline is not given orally because: A) It is inactivated in the gut mucosa due to enzymatic breakdown, B) Local vasoconstriction inhibits absorption into the bloodstream, and C) It is rapidly inactivated in circulation by enzymes like catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase. Therefore, administering adrenaline orally would result in poor absorption and rapid degradation, making it ineffective.
Mr. R, a 52-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism, is experiencing a thyroid storm. Which of the following symptoms would indicate the need for immediate intervention?
- A. Hypothermia
- B. Low blood pressure
- C. Severe tachycardia
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe tachycardia is a hallmark of thyroid storm and requires immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening complications such as heart failure or stroke.
Most endocrine organs are prodded into action by other hormones; this type of stimulus is called:
- A. hormonal stimulus
- B. humoral stimulus
- C. neural stimulus
- D. receptor-mediated stimulus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: hormonal stimulus. Endocrine organs are typically activated by other hormones circulating in the bloodstream, triggering a chain reaction of hormonal responses. This is known as hormonal stimulus. Other choices are incorrect because humoral stimulus refers to changes in blood levels of ions or nutrients, neural stimulus involves nerve impulses, and receptor-mediated stimulus is not a recognized term in endocrine physiology.