Endocrinology Exam Questions and Answers

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hypoglycemia is characterized by a low blood sugar level, which can lead to various symptoms. The features of hypoglycemia typically include drenching sweat, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and tachypnea (rapid breathing). A brisk jerk, on the other hand, is not a typical feature of hypoglycemia. Symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, shakiness, hunger, weakness, and irritability are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia than a brisk jerk.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Sheehan's syndrome, also known as postpartum hypopituitarism, is a condition characterized by pituitary gland dysfunction due to severe blood loss during childbirth, resulting in ischemic necrosis of the pituitary gland. As a consequence of pituitary hormone deficiency, one of the hallmark manifestations of Sheehan's syndrome is persistent lactation despite stopping breastfeeding. This occurs due to inadequate prolactin inhibition, leading to continuous milk production. Other common symptoms of Sheehan's syndrome include fatigue, weight loss, menstrual irregularities, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and other pituitary hormone deficiencies. Cardiac failure, fever, and striking cachexia are not typical presentations associated with Sheehan's syndrome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia does not lead to dwarfism. It is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands and can cause various symptoms related to hormone imbalances. In contrast, the other conditions listed - hypopituitarism, homocystinuria, and pseudohypoparathyroidism - can all lead to dwarfism through different mechanisms. Hypopituitarism is characterized by a deficiency of pituitary hormones, including growth hormone, which can result in stunted growth and dwarfism. Homocystinuria is a metabolic disorder that can affect bone growth and lead to skeletal abnormalities resulting in dwarfism. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare genetic disorder that can manifest with short stature or dwarfism due to skeletal abnormalities caused by altered bone metabolism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid typically presents with symptoms related to the thyroid gland itself, neck mass or swelling, and sometimes cervical lymphadenopathy. It is characterized by the production of calcitonin, leading to high serum calcitonin levels. Carcinoid syndrome, which includes symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing, is more commonly associated with neuroendocrine tumors, rather than medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Psychosis is not a typical feature or manifestation of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.