Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Small cell (oat cell) carcinoma of the lung is most commonly associated with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). This paraneoplastic syndrome occurs in patients with small cell lung cancer due to the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the tumor cells. The excessive release of ADH leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia, causing symptoms such as nausea, confusion, seizures, and potentially life-threatening complications. Other types of lung cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, are less commonly associated with SIADH.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone released by the pituitary gland in response to changes in blood osmolality, blood volume, and blood pressure. During hemorrhage (significant blood loss), the body experiences a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure. In response to this decrease in blood volume, ADH secretion is increased to help the body retain water and maintain blood pressure levels. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that ADH secretion is reduced during hemorrhage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In dwarfism conditions, the upper body segment being greater than the lower body segment is a characteristic feature seen in Achondroplasia. This condition results in a disproportionately short stature with short limbs but a trunk of normal length.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The gold standard for diagnosing acromegaly is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) along with growth hormone (GH) measurement. During this test, the patient is given a glucose solution to drink, and then blood samples are taken to measure GH levels at specific time intervals. In a person without acromegaly, glucose ingestion would typically suppress GH levels. However, in individuals with acromegaly, GH levels remain elevated even after glucose administration due to the inability of glucose to inhibit GH release from the tumor.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands in response to low blood calcium levels. Its main function is to raise calcium levels in the blood by acting on the bones, kidneys, and intestines. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from the bones, enhances the absorption of calcium by the intestines, and promotes the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys. Therefore, it is secreted in increased amounts when blood calcium levels are below normal in order to maintain overall calcium balance in the body.