Endocrinology Practice Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dry skin. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to decreased metabolism. This can result in several symptoms, including dry skin due to reduced sweat gland activity. Hyporeflexia (A) is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Oily skin (C) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where thyroid hormone levels are elevated. Excessive hair growth (D) is not typically seen in hypothyroidism; instead, hair loss is a common symptom.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stress. Stress triggers the release of growth hormone through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. When the body is under stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. This hormone then stimulates growth and cell reproduction. Glucocorticoids (A) and somatostatin (B) actually inhibit the release of growth hormone. Obesity (D) can lead to decreased growth hormone release due to disrupted hormonal regulation. In summary, stress is the correct answer as it directly stimulates the release of growth hormone, while the other choices inhibit or have a negative impact on growth hormone release.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bitemporal Hemianopsia. Pituitary adenomas can compress the optic chiasm, leading to bitemporal hemianopsia. This occurs due to the loss of peripheral vision on both sides. Carpo-pedal spasm (A) is associated with hypocalcemia, Chvostek's sign (C) is a facial spasm seen in hypocalcemia, and tremor (D) can be seen in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, but they are not specific to pituitary adenoma. Bitemporal hemianopsia is a classic sign of pituitary adenoma due to its location near the optic chiasm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: SIADH. Secondary hyperaldosteronism is characterized by increased aldosterone production due to factors outside of the adrenal glands, such as increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation. SIADH does not involve aldosterone, but rather involves inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone leading to hyponatremia. In contrast, congestive cardiac failure, nephrotic syndrome, and cirrhosis of the liver can all lead to secondary hyperaldosteronism due to mechanisms such as decreased effective circulating volume, renal hypoperfusion, and increased angiotensin II levels, respectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Purple skin striae. This is the most common sign of Cushing's syndrome due to the excessive production of cortisol leading to thinning of the skin and formation of purple stretch marks. Hirsutism (A) is excessive hair growth, not specific to Cushing's. Obesity (B) can be a symptom, but it is not the most common. Skin hyperpigmentation (D) is seen in Addison's disease, not Cushing's.