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: 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: D

Rationale: Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is mainly caused by the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. This results in the inadequate production of hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. While other conditions such as Adrenoleukodystrophy, Pyelonephritis, and Tuberculosis can also affect the adrenal glands, they are not known to be direct causes of Addison's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tetany is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms and contractions due to low levels of calcium in the blood. The signs associated with tetany include Trousseau's sign, which is the carpal spasm elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure, and Chvostek's sign, which is the facial muscle spasm elicited by tapping on the facial nerve. Peroneal sign is not specifically associated with tetany but can be seen in conditions like peroneal nerve injury. Erb's sign, on the other hand, is not a recognized sign of tetany. It is associated with Erb's palsy, a condition resulting from injury to the brachial plexus nerves, typically during childbirth. Tinel's sign, which is a tingling sensation elicited by tapping over a compressed nerve, is also not a characteristic sign of tetany.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Primary hyperaldosteronism, also known as Conn's syndrome, is characterized by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. The typical features of primary hyperaldosteronism include hypertension (often systolic), hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and oedema due to sodium retention. Paraesthesia, which refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness, is not a common feature associated with primary hyperaldosteronism.