Corticosteroids — MCQs

A previously healthy 61-year-old man comes to the physician because of bilateral knee pain for the past year. The pain is worse with movement and is relieved with rest. Physical examination shows crepitus, pain, and decreased range of motion with complete flexion and extension of both knees. There is no warmth, redness, or swelling. X-rays of both knees show irregular joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and subchondral cysts. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacotherapy?

A 62-year-old woman is hospitalized for an open reduction of a fracture of her right femur following a motor vehicle accident 2 hours prior. She has had rheumatoid arthritis for 12 years. She was hospitalized 1 month ago for an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. Since then, she has been taking a higher dose of prednisone to control the flare. Her other medications include calcium supplements, methotrexate, and etanercept. She has had appropriate nutrition over the years with regular follow-ups with her healthcare providers. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Cardiovascular examination shows no abnormalities. In order to reduce the risk of post-operative wound failure, which of the following is the most appropriate modification in this patient’s drug regimen?

A researcher is studying physiologic and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Specifically, they examine the behavior of progesterone over the course of the menstrual cycle and find that it normally decreases over time; however, during pregnancy this decrease does not occur in the usual time frame. The researcher identifies a circulating factor that appears to be responsible for this difference in progesterone behavior. In order to further examine this factor, the researcher denatures the circulating factor and examines the sizes of its components on a western blot as compared to several other hormones. One of the bands the researcher identifies in this circulating factor is identical to that of another known hormone with which of the following sites of action?

A 45-year-old woman comes to the physician because of fatigue, irregular menses, and recurrent respiratory infections for the past 6 months. Her blood pressure is 151/82 mm Hg. Physical examination shows a round face, thinning of the skin, and multiple bruises on her arms. Further studies confirm the diagnosis of an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. This patient is at greatest risk for which of the following?

A 47-year-old woman presents to the physician with complaints of fatigue accompanied by symmetric pain, swelling, and stiffness in her wrists, fingers, knees, and other joints. She describes the stiffness as being particularly severe upon awakening, but gradually improves as she moves throughout her day. Her physician initially suggests that she take NSAIDs. However, after a few months of minimal symptomatic improvement, she is prescribed an immunosuppressive drug that has a mechanism of preventing IL-2 transcription. What is the main toxicity that the patient must be aware of with this particular class of drugs?

A 32-year-old woman comes to the physician because of weight gain, generalized weakness, and irregular menstrual cycles for the past 16 months. She began having symptoms of insomnia and depression 10 months ago. More recently, she has been having difficulties rising from a chair. She has a 2-year history of hypertension. Current medications include citalopram and hydrochlorothiazide. She is 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 100 kg (220 lb). BMI is 36 kg/m2. Her pulse is 92/min, respirations are 18/min, and blood pressure is 134/76 mm Hg. She appears tired and has a full, plethoric face and central obesity. Examination of the skin shows violaceous linear striations on her lower abdomen. Two midnight serum cortisol studies show measurements of 288 μg/L and 253 μg/L (N < 90); a 24-hour urinary cortisol measurement was 395 μg (N < 300). Upon follow-up laboratory examination, the patient's serum ACTH levels were also elevated at 136 pg/mL (N = 7–50). Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?

Steroid hormone synthesis, lipid synthesis, and chemical detoxification are activities of which of the following?

A 67-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital because of a 2-day history of fever, headache, jaw pain, and decreased vision in the right eye. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 84 mm per hour. Treatment with methylprednisolone is initiated but her symptoms do not improve. The physician recommends the administration of a new drug. Three days after treatment with the new drug is started, visual acuity in the right eye increases. The beneficial effect of this drug is most likely due to inhibition of which of the following molecules?

A 56-year-old woman undergoes open reduction and internal fixation of the distal tibia 1 day after a fall. She has had rheumatoid arthritis for 12 years and diabetes mellitus for 2 years. Her medications over the past year have included metformin, prednisone, calcium supplements, and methotrexate. Prior to surgery, insulin was added to her medications, and the dose of prednisone was increased. She has had appropriate nutrition over the years with regular follow-ups with her healthcare professional. Which of the following is the most appropriate supplement to prevent wound failure in this patient?

A 4-year-old boy presents to the Emergency Department with wheezing and shortness of breath after playing with the new family pet. Which of the following immunological factors is most involved in generating the antibodies necessary for mast cell Fc-receptor cross-linking and degranulation?