Endocrinology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT the feature of secondary ACTH deficiency?

Hyperpigmentation. ***Hyperpigmentation*** - **Hyperpigmentation** occurs in **primary adrenal insufficiency** (Addison's disease) due to high levels of **ACTH** and co-secreted **melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)** [1]. - In **secondary ACTH deficiency**, ACTH levels are low, so there is no increased stimulation of melanocytes, and thus **hyperpigmentation is absent** [2]. *Anorexia* - **Anorexia** can be a feature of both **primary** and **secondary adrenal insufficiency** due to the general catabolic effects of **cortisol deficiency** and overall endocrine dysfunction. - Reduced cortisol can lead to altered metabolism and appetite, contributing to loss of appetite [2]. *Fatigue* - **Fatigue** is a common and prominent symptom in both **primary** and **secondary adrenal insufficiency** due to **cortisol deficiency** [2]. - Lack of adequate cortisol affects energy metabolism, muscle function, and overall well-being, leading to profound tiredness. *Hypotension* - **Hypotension** is more characteristic of **primary adrenal insufficiency** due to both **cortisol** and **aldosterone deficiency** [1]. - In **secondary ACTH deficiency**, aldosterone secretion is typically preserved (as it's regulated by the **renin-angiotensin system**), but severe **cortisol deficiency** can still contribute to mild hypotension [2].

Q: Which of the following is not a clinical presentation of Pituitary Apoplexy?

Hypertension. ***Hypertension*** - Pituitary apoplexy often leads to **adrenal insufficiency** due to damage to the pituitary gland, which in turn causes **hypotension**, not hypertension. - The sudden onset of severe pituitary dysfunction typically results in a drop in blood pressure rather than an increase. *Vomiting* - **Vomiting** is a common symptom of pituitary apoplexy, often accompanying severe headache due to increased intracranial pressure or hormonal imbalances [1]. - The sudden mass effect of the hemorrhage or infarction can irritate surrounding structures, leading to nausea and vomiting. *Headache* - A **sudden, severe headache** is the most common presenting symptom of pituitary apoplexy, often described as a "thunderclap" headache [1]. - This intense headache is caused by rapid expansion of the pituitary mass and irritation of the **dura mater**. *Hypotension* - **Hypotension** is a classic feature of pituitary apoplexy, resulting from acute **adrenal insufficiency** where insufficient ACTH leads to decreased cortisol production [1]. - This hormonal deficiency impairs the body's ability to maintain blood pressure and respond to stress [1].

Q: A 36 year old female is found to have a large pituitary mass on MRI imaging. She underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Postop replacement of which of the following hormone is not needed?

Mineralocorticoids. ***Mineralocorticoids*** - **Mineralocorticoid** production (primarily aldosterone) is regulated by the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system** (RAAS) in the kidneys, not directly by the pituitary gland [1]. - Therefore, pituitary surgery generally does not affect **aldosterone secretion**, and replacement is typically not required unless the adrenal glands themselves are compromised [1][2]. *Estradiol* - **Estradiol** production by the ovaries is stimulated by **follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)** and **luteinizing hormone (LH)**, which are pituitary hormones. - Pituitary surgery can disrupt the production of FSH and LH, leading to **secondary hypogonadism** and requiring estrogen replacement, especially in pre-menopausal women [2]. *Glucocorticoids* - The adrenal glands produce **glucocorticoids** (e.g., cortisol) under the stimulation of **adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)** from the pituitary [1]. - Damage to the pituitary during surgery can reduce ACTH secretion, leading to **secondary adrenal insufficiency** and necessitating **glucocorticoid replacement** [1]. *L-Thyroxine* - The thyroid gland produces **thyroid hormones** (T3 and T4) under the influence of **thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)**, a pituitary hormone [1]. - Post-hypophysectomy, a patient may develop **secondary hypothyroidism** due to impaired TSH production, requiring **L-thyroxine replacement** [1].

Q: Which of the following is not true regarding estrogen use in postmenopausal osteoporosis management?

Lowers breast cancer risk. ***Lowers breast cancer risk*** - Estrogen use, particularly **combined estrogen-progestin therapy**, actually **increases** the risk of breast cancer, rather than lowering it [1]. - This increased risk is a significant concern and a primary reason why estrogen therapy is not a first-line treatment for osteoporosis [1]. *Improves bone density* - Estrogen therapy is known to **prevent bone loss** and **increase bone mineral density** in postmenopausal women by inhibiting osteoclast activity [1]. - This effect is beneficial in reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures [1], [2]. *Increases thromboembolism risk* - Estrogen therapy significantly **increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)**, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. - This is a well-established adverse effect and a contraindication in women with a history of thrombotic events. *May cause endometrial hyperplasia* - Unopposed estrogen therapy can **stimulate endometrial proliferation**, leading to **endometrial hyperplasia** and an increased risk of endometrial cancer. - This is why progestin is typically added to estrogen therapy in women with an intact uterus.

Q: A 60-year-old diabetic presents with painless swelling of foot joints. X-ray shows bone fragmentation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Charcot Arthropathy. ***Charcot Arthropathy*** - **Painless swelling** of foot joints with **bone fragmentation** in a diabetic patient is highly characteristic of Charcot arthropathy, a degenerative joint disease resulting from neuropathy [1]. - The neuropathy prevents the patient from feeling pain, leading to repetitive trauma and progressive joint destruction, often presenting as a **warm, swollen, and sometimes deformed foot** [1]. *Osteoarthritis* - Osteoarthritis typically involves **painful joints** and is characterized by cartilaginous degeneration, not significant bone fragmentation resulting from neuropathy [2]. - While X-rays show joint space narrowing and osteophytes, the absence of pain and presence of bone fragmentation in a diabetic points away from this diagnosis [2]. *Gouty Arthritis* - Gout presents with **acute, exquisitely painful** inflammation of joints, often the great toe, due to uric acid crystal deposition. - The key features here are **painless swelling** and **bone fragmentation**, which are inconsistent with gout. *Rheumatoid Arthritis* - Rheumatoid arthritis is a **symmetric polyarthritis** involving smaller joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and eventual joint destruction, often accompanied by systemic symptoms [2]. - The presentation of a **painless, unilateral foot swelling** with bone fragmentation in a diabetic is not typical for rheumatoid arthritis [2].

Q: A patient with type 2 diabetes develops severe lactic acidosis on metformin. Which condition most likely precipitated this?

Acute kidney injury. ***Acute kidney injury*** - **Metformin** is primarily excreted by the kidneys; impaired renal function leads to drug accumulation and increased risk of **lactic acidosis** [1]. - **Acute kidney injury** reduces the clearance of metformin, which inhibits mitochondrial respiration and can exacerbate lactate production if it accumulates in the body [1]. *Peripheral neuropathy* - **Peripheral neuropathy** is a complication of diabetes, but it does not directly impact the metabolism or excretion of metformin. - It does not increase the risk of **metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA)**. *Urinary tract infection* - A **urinary tract infection (UTI)** can cause systemic inflammation and potentially mild dehydration, but it generally does not directly affect renal metformin clearance to the extent of causing severe lactic acidosis. - While a severe UTI could potentially contribute to **acute kidney injury** in some cases, it is not the direct precipitating factor for metformin accumulation. *Diabetic retinopathy* - **Diabetic retinopathy** is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the eyes. - It has no direct physiological link to metformin metabolism or excretion, and therefore does not contribute to the risk of **lactic acidosis** [2].

Q: A patient has hyperaldosteronism. Which lab finding is expected?

Hypokalemia. ***Hypokalemia*** - **Aldosterone** increases the excretion of **potassium** in the kidneys, leading to decreased serum potassium levels [1]. - This effect is mediated by aldosterone's action on the principal cells of the collecting duct, promoting potassium secretion into the urine [1]. *Metabolic acidosis* - **Hyperaldosteronism** typically causes **metabolic alkalosis** due to increased hydrogen ion excretion by the kidneys [1]. - Aldosterone promotes the reabsorption of sodium and water, and the excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions, leading to alkalosis [2]. *Hyperkalemia* - **Aldosterone's primary role** is to promote **potassium excretion** in the kidneys [1]. - Therefore, **excessive aldosterone** production would lead to **hypokalemia**, not hyperkalemia. *Hyponatremia* - **Aldosterone** promotes **sodium reabsorption** in the kidneys, which usually leads to normal or even slightly elevated serum sodium levels [1]. - **Hyponatremia** would be an unexpected finding in hyperaldosteronism [3].

Q: A 42-year-old man with diabetes presents with memory loss, confusion, and irritability. He denies alcohol use. What is the likely cause?

Hypoglycemia. ***Hypoglycemia*** - Patients with **diabetes** are prone to episodes of **hypoglycemia**, which can manifest with neuropsychiatric symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and irritability. - **Glucose deficiency** in the brain impairs cognitive function, leading to symptoms that can mimic other neurological or psychiatric conditions. *Alcohol dependence* - Although alcohol dependence can cause cognitive impairment and confusion, the patient **denies alcohol use**, making this less likely. - Alcohol-related cognitive issues typically develop over a longer period and are associated with **chronic heavy drinking**. *Wernicke's encephalopathy* - This condition is primarily caused by **thiamine deficiency**, most commonly seen in severe alcoholics or individuals with malnutrition [1], [2]. - Key symptoms include the classic triad of **ophthalmoplegia**, **ataxia**, and **confusion**, not just memory loss and irritability [1]. *Alzheimer’s disease* - Alzheimer's disease is a **progressive neurodegenerative disorder** characterized by gradual memory loss and cognitive decline, typically in older individuals [3]. - The acute presentation of confusion and irritability, particularly in a 42-year-old with diabetes, is less characteristic of early Alzheimer's and more suggestive of an acute metabolic derangement.

Q: A patient with DKA has a pH of 7.1, Na 130, and K 5.5. What is the best initial treatment?

IV fluids. ***IV fluids*** - Initial management of **diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)** prioritizes aggressive **intravenous fluid resuscitation** to correct dehydration and improve renal perfusion, thereby facilitating ketone and glucose excretion [1]. - This step is critical before insulin administration to prevent rapid drops in osmolality, which can lead to **cerebral edema** [2]. *IV insulin* - While critical for resolving DKA by stopping ketone production and lowering glucose, **insulin is typically started after initial fluid resuscitation** and only once potassium levels are stable or >3.3 mEq/L to prevent hypokalemia. - Early insulin without adequate fluid replacement can worsen dehydration and increase the risk of **cerebral edema**. *IV potassium* - Although DKA patients are typically **potassium-depleted**, despite what appears to be normal or high serum potassium due to extracellular shift, IV potassium replacement is usually initiated only once serum potassium falls below 5.3 mEq/L and after the start of insulin, which drives potassium into cells [1]. - Administering potassium too early without baseline potassium re-evaluation after initial fluid resuscitation could lead to **hyperkalemia** if the initial high level is truly representative. *IV bicarbonate* - Bicarbonate therapy for DKA is controversial and generally **not recommended** unless the pH is extremely low, typically < 6.9, or in cases of severe cardiovascular instability. - Rapid correction of acidosis can lead to **cerebral edema**, **rebound metabolic alkalosis**, paradoxical central nervous system acidosis, and worsening hypokalemia.

Q: Which of the following is a component of the classic triad used for clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma?

Headache. ***Headache*** - **Headache** is a key symptom in the classic triad for pheochromocytoma, caused by the **vasoconstrictive effects** of catecholamine surges. - The other two components of the classic triad are **palpitations** and **sweating**. *Hyperkalemia* - **Hyperkalemia** is not a typical manifestation of pheochromocytoma; rather, these tumors produce **catecholamines** that can lead to hyperglycemia. - Mineralocorticoid excess (e.g., in aldosteronism) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. *Hypertension* - While **hypertension** is a hallmark feature of pheochromocytoma, it is a general sign rather than one of the specific three components of the classic clinical triad used for initial diagnostic suspicion. - The classic triad focuses on the most prominent and specific symptoms that suggest a **catecholamine-secreting tumor**. *Bradycardia* - **Bradycardia** is contrary to the expected cardiovascular effects of pheochromocytoma, which typically causes **tachycardia** (palpitations) due to excessive catecholamine release. - Catecholamines, such as **epinephrine** and **norepinephrine**, increase heart rate and myocardial contractility.

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT the feature of secondary ACTH deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpigmentation

Answer

Anorexia

Answer

Fatigue

Answer

Hypotension

Question 2

Which of the following is not a clinical presentation of Pituitary Apoplexy?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Vomiting

Answer

Headache

Answer

Hypotension

Question 3

A 36 year old female is found to have a large pituitary mass on MRI imaging. She underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Postop replacement of which of the following hormone is not needed?

Accepted Answer

Mineralocorticoids

Answer

Estradiol

Answer

Glucocorticoids

Answer

L-Thyroxine

Question 4

Which of the following is not true regarding estrogen use in postmenopausal osteoporosis management?

Accepted Answer

Lowers breast cancer risk

Answer

Improves bone density

Answer

Increases thromboembolism risk

Answer

May cause endometrial hyperplasia

Question 5

A 60-year-old diabetic presents with painless swelling of foot joints. X-ray shows bone fragmentation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Charcot Arthropathy

Answer

Osteoarthritis

Answer

Gouty Arthritis

Answer

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 6

A patient with type 2 diabetes develops severe lactic acidosis on metformin. Which condition most likely precipitated this?

Accepted Answer

Acute kidney injury

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy

Answer

Urinary tract infection

Answer

Diabetic retinopathy

Question 7

A patient has hyperaldosteronism. Which lab finding is expected?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Metabolic acidosis

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hyponatremia

Question 8

A 42-year-old man with diabetes presents with memory loss, confusion, and irritability. He denies alcohol use. What is the likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Alcohol dependence

Answer

Wernicke's encephalopathy

Answer

Alzheimer’s disease

Question 9

A patient with DKA has a pH of 7.1, Na 130, and K 5.5. What is the best initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

IV fluids

Answer

IV insulin

Answer

IV potassium

Answer

IV bicarbonate

Question 10

Which of the following is a component of the classic triad used for clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

Headache

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Endocrinology — MCQs

Endocrinology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?