Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly most commonly affects individuals in the age group of 30-50 years. This condition is typically diagnosed in adults between these ages. Acromegaly is often caused by the overproduction of growth hormone in adults, which leads to excessive bone growth and tissue expansion. While acromegaly can develop at any age, it is more commonly seen in adults within the 30-50 age range.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Increased serum aldosterone level is typically associated with conditions such as Conn's syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism. These conditions lead to an excess of aldosterone, which results in increased sodium resorption and potassium excretion by the kidneys. This imbalance can lead to hypertension (Choice A), hypernatraernia (elevated sodium level) (Choice B), and hypokalaemia (low potassium level) (Choice C). However, metabolic acidosis (Choice D) is not directly associated with increased aldosterone levels. Instead, metabolic acidosis may be seen in conditions like renal tubular acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), there is excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) leading to increased water reabsorption in the kidney tubules. This results in dilutional hyponatremia because the amount of water reabsorbed is greater than the electrolytes, such as sodium, leading to a relative decrease in their concentration in the blood. As a result, hyponatremia occurs in SIADH, contributing to symptoms such as nausea, confusion, and seizures due to the imbalance in electrolytes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Myxoedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to the slowing down of various body functions, including reduced heart rate (bradycardia). As the condition progresses and the body's metabolism becomes more depressed, one of the compensatory mechanisms is an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) to try to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Therefore, tachycardia is a characteristic feature of myxoedema coma, rather than hypertension or euthermia which are not typically associated with this condition. Hypoventilation is also a common feature of myxoedema coma due to the decreased metabolic rate and respiratory drive.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hyperbilirubinemia is not a common effect of diabetes on the fetus. The correct effects of diabetes on the fetus include: