Endocrinology Exam Questions

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myxoedema is a term used to describe severe hypothyroidism. The characteristic features of myxoedema include sinus bradycardia (choice B), solid oedema (choice C), and madarosis (choice D), which refers to loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. However, a butterfly rash is not a typical feature of myxoedema. A butterfly rash is commonly associated with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus rather than myxoedema.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tremor (A): Tremors or shaky hands are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by excess thyroid hormone in the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Small cell (oat cell) carcinoma of the lung is most commonly associated with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). This paraneoplastic syndrome occurs in patients with small cell lung cancer due to the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the tumor cells. The excessive release of ADH leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia, causing symptoms such as nausea, confusion, seizures, and potentially life-threatening complications. Other types of lung cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, are less commonly associated with SIADH.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. The antibodies produced by the immune system target the thyroglobulin in the thyroid gland, leading to its destruction over time. This results in decreased thyroid hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism. Therefore, choice B, "A destructive autoimmune disease caused by auto-reactive antibodies against thyroglobulin," best describes Hashimoto's thyroiditis.