Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acromegaly is a disorder that is characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland in adults. This results in the abnormal growth of bones and tissues, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. The excess GH is usually caused by a pituitary tumor known as a somatotroph adenoma. This tumor causes the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of GH, which in turn leads to the symptoms associated with acromegaly. Treatment for acromegaly often involves surgical removal or reduction of the pituitary tumor, as well as medication to normalize GH levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In the bloodstream, oxytocin is mostly bound to a carrier protein called neurophysin. This binding helps to protect oxytocin from being degraded too quickly in the bloodstream, thus allowing it to exert its effects on target tissues such as the uterus and mammary glands. Oxytocin plays important roles in stimulating uterine contractions during labor, facilitating milk letdown during breastfeeding, and promoting social bonding and emotional connections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly is the condition characterized by the enlargement of the bones of the hands, feet, and face due to the overproduction of growth hormone in adults. This excess growth hormone typically comes from a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, leading to the gradual enlargement of these body parts. Cushing syndrome, on the other hand, is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol and is not directly related to bone enlargement. Gigantism is the condition of excessive growth in height due to overproduction of growth hormone occurring in children before the closure of growth plates. Myxedema is a term used to describe severe hypothyroidism and is not directly associated with bone enlargement.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tetany is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle spasms and contractions due to low levels of calcium in the blood. The signs associated with tetany include Trousseau's sign, which is the carpal spasm elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure, and Chvostek's sign, which is the facial muscle spasm elicited by tapping on the facial nerve. Peroneal sign is not specifically associated with tetany but can be seen in conditions like peroneal nerve injury. Erb's sign, on the other hand, is not a recognized sign of tetany. It is associated with Erb's palsy, a condition resulting from injury to the brachial plexus nerves, typically during childbirth. Tinel's sign, which is a tingling sensation elicited by tapping over a compressed nerve, is also not a characteristic sign of tetany.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tremor (A): Tremors or shaky hands are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by excess thyroid hormone in the body.