Endocrinology Practice Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elevated glucose levels in obese individuals are often due to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to decreased glucose uptake. This results in elevated blood glucose levels. Diabetic acidosis (choice A) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes characterized by high blood ketone levels, not directly related to obesity. Glucose intolerance (choice B) refers to the body's inability to regulate blood glucose levels efficiently but is not specific to obesity. Insulin deficiency (choice D) is characteristic of type 1 diabetes, where the body does not produce enough insulin, which is distinct from insulin resistance seen in obesity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency. This enzyme is essential for gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, so its deficiency leads to fasting hypoglycemia. Galactosaemia (A) can cause hypoglycemia due to impaired galactose metabolism. Insulinoma (B) results in excess insulin production causing hypoglycemia. Systemic carnitine deficiency (D) can lead to hypoglycemia by impairing fatty acid oxidation, but it does not directly cause fasting hypoglycemia as seen in Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because ADH secretion is increased during stress to retain water in the body. This response helps maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration under stressful conditions. Choice B is incorrect because ADH secretion is actually increased during hemorrhage to conserve water. Choice C is incorrect because increased blood osmolality triggers ADH secretion to retain water. Choice D is incorrect because alcohol inhibits ADH secretion, leading to increased urine production.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adrenaline. In injury to the adrenal cortex, adrenaline is least affected because it is primarily synthesized and secreted by the adrenal medulla, not the adrenal cortex. Cortisol, aldosterone, and androstenedione are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. In adrenal cortex injury, the secretion of cortisol, aldosterone, and androstenedione would be significantly affected due to the damage to the adrenal cortex, leading to hormonal imbalance and related symptoms. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it is not primarily secreted by the adrenal cortex and would be least affected in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cirrhosis. In cirrhosis, there is a decrease in the binding proteins for T4, leading to decreased total T4 levels in the plasma. Pregnancy, euthyroid sick syndrome, and familial excess thyroid binding globulin are all conditions associated with increased total T4 levels due to various physiological changes. In pregnancy, there is an increase in thyroid hormone production to support fetal development. Euthyroid sick syndrome is a condition where there is a decrease in binding proteins, leading to an increase in free T4 levels but normal total T4 levels. Familial excess thyroid binding globulin causes an increase in total T4 levels due to excessive binding proteins.