Endocrinology Exam Questions and Answers

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Gastroparesis is a complication of diabetes mellitus. It is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles in the stomach, causing delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and poor appetite. Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the stomach muscles, resulting in gastroparesis. Managing blood sugar levels and following a proper diet can help in controlling the symptoms of gastroparesis in individuals with diabetes. Exophthalmos, hirsutism, and moon facies are not typically associated with complications of diabetes mellitus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Grave's disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones. This results in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, and tremors. While toxic thyroid adenoma, toxic multinodular goitre, and thyroiditis are also potential causes of hyperthyroidism, Grave's disease is the most prevalent among them.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin A1c, also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 2 to 3 months. This test is useful in monitoring long-term blood glucose control in individuals with diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c provides an indication of how well blood glucose levels have been controlled over time, reflecting the average blood sugar levels during the lifespan of red blood cells, which is typically around 2 to 3 months. A higher Hemoglobin A1c level indicates poorer blood glucose control and an increased risk of diabetes complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Phaeochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that arises from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. It is the most common cause of a catecholamine-secreting tumor in adults. While it can also rarely occur outside the adrenal gland (referred to as extra-adrenal or paraganglioma), the majority of cases originate within the adrenal medulla. Symptoms of phaeochromocytoma are due to the excessive release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), leading to a characteristic triad of headaches, sweating, and palpitations. Therefore, the commonest cause of phaeochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The earliest changes observed by ophthalmoscope in background retinopathy of diabetes is typically the presence of microaneurysms. These are small dilations of retinal capillaries due to weakening of the vessel walls caused by diabetes-induced damage. Microaneurysms are a hallmark sign of diabetic retinopathy and are often the first visible sign on retinal examination. Other changes in diabetic retinopathy, such as venous dilatation, increased capillary permeability, and arteriovenous shunts, may develop later in the disease process as it progresses.