Which of the following statements best describes Cushing's syndrome?
- A. Cushing's syndrome refers to a disease process caused by abnormally high levels of cortisol
- B. Cushing's syndrome refers to a disease process caused by abnormally low levels of aldosterone
- C. Cushing's syndrome refers to a disease process caused by abnormally high levels of aldosterone
- D. Cushing's syndrome refers to a disease process caused by abnormally low levels of cortisol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is a condition characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and stress response. When there is an overproduction of cortisol, either due to excessive production by the adrenal glands or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, it can result in Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, particularly in the face and abdomen, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and irregularities in menstruation. It is important to diagnose and manage Cushing's syndrome to prevent potential complications such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
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Which one of the following statements best describes an Addisonian crisis?
- A. Severe adrenal insufficiency resulting in dangerously low serum testosterone levels
- B. Dangerously high levels of testosterone
- C. Dangerously high serum cortisol levels
- D. Severe adrenal insufficiency resulting in dangerously low serum cortisol levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An Addisonian crisis, also known as an acute adrenal crisis, is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs due to severe adrenal insufficiency, leading to a sudden drop in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its deficiency can result in serious symptoms such as hypotension, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. If left untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. Therefore, the correct description of an Addisonian crisis is severe adrenal insufficiency resulting in dangerously low serum cortisol levels.
Which of the following is the most common cause of Cushing's disease?
- A. ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma
- B. Adrenocortical adenoma
- C. Ectopic ACTH secretion
- D. McCune-Albright syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most common cause of Cushing's disease is an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. In this condition, the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce high levels of cortisol. This leads to the signs and symptoms of Cushing's disease, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness. Adrenocortical adenoma refers to a benign tumor of the adrenal cortex that can also cause Cushing's syndrome, but it is not as common as an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. Ectopic ACTH secretion occurs when a non-pituitary tumor produces ACTH, leading to Cushing's syndrome. McCune-Albright syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can cause various endocrine abnormalities, but it is not a common cause of Cushing's disease.
Postmenopausal estrogen therapy has been shown to increase a female's risk of all the following clinical outcomes except:
- A. Breast cancer
- B. Hip fracture
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Venous thromboembolism Endocrine Answers 1 C 26 B 51 D 76 B 2 C 27 A 52 A 77 C 3 B 28 C 53 B 78 D 4 B 29 D 54 B 79 D 5 C 30 B 55 C 80 C 6 A 31 B 56 C 81 C 7 A 32 D 57 B 82 A 8 B 33 D 58 C 83 C 9 C 34 C 59 A 84 B 10 C 35 C 60 A 85 A 11 B 36 A 61 B 86 B 12 A 37 D 62 A 87 D 13 B 38 B 63 A 88 A 14 C 39 D 64 B 89 C 15 D 40 A 65 B 90 A 16 D 41 D 66 D 91 D 17 A 42 D 67 A 92 B 18 C 43 D 68 C 93 A 19 A 44 B 69 A 94 A 20 B 45 B 70 A 95 A 21 A 46 A 71 A 96 D 22 B 47 C 72 B 97 D 23 B 48 A 73 D 98 B 24 B 49 D 74 B 99 D 25 B 50 C 75 D 100 B
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postmenopausal estrogen therapy has been shown to have a protective effect on bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, including hip fractures. Estrogen therapy helps to maintain bone strength and reduce the chances of fractures in postmenopausal women. Therefore, estrogen therapy does not increase the risk of hip fractures; in fact, it may decrease the risk of hip fractures in this population.
What is the most common cause for the overproduction of growth hormone in acromegaly?
- A. Hypothalamic lesion
- B. Hyperplasia of the pituitary stalk
- C. Pituitary lesion
- D. Pituitary adenoma
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acromegaly is typically caused by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. In around 95% of cases, this overproduction is due to the presence of a non-cancerous tumor called a pituitary adenoma. These adenomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that cause the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone, leading to the characteristic symptoms of acromegaly such as enlargement of the bones and soft tissues.
Which of the following is the underlying problem in neurogenic diabetes insipidus?
- A. Overproduction of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)
- B. Lack of oxytocin
- C. Overproduction of oxytocin
- D. Overproduction of prolactin
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Neurogenic diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by a deficiency of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone). Vasopressin is responsible for regulating the body's water balance by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidneys. In neurogenic diabetes insipidus, there is a problem with either the production, release, or action of vasopressin, leading to excessive urination and thirst. This condition can be caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are involved in producing and releasing vasopressin. Symptoms of neurogenic diabetes insipidus include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and dehydration.
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