Drugs Affecting the Endocrine
System: Q&A for Exam Preparation
Latest Update — 2025/2026
SECTION 1: HYPOTHALAMIC & PITUITARY HORMONES
Q1: Which of the following hormones is produced by the
hypothalamic gland?
A) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
B) Aldosterone
C) Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
D) Estradiol
Answer: C — Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
Explanation: GHRH is produced by the hypothalamus and
regulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior
pituitary. FSH is produced by the anterior pituitary, aldosterone by
the adrenal cortex, and estradiol by the ovaries.
Q2: Which of the following hormones is produced by the
anterior lobe of the pituitary?
,A) Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
B) Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
C) Growth hormone (somatotropin, GH)
D) Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
Answer: C — Growth hormone (somatotropin, GH)
Explanation: The anterior pituitary produces growth hormone,
TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and prolactin. TRH, CRH, and GHRH are all
hypothalamic hormones.
Q3: A client is diagnosed with a hypothalamic disorder
affecting the production of vasopressin. Which manifestation
is the nurse least likely to assess?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Polydipsia
C) Polyphagia
D) Polyuria
Answer: A — Hypoglycemia
Explanation: Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) deficiency leads
to diabetes insipidus, characterized by polyuria, polydipsia, and
dehydration. Hypoglycemia is not a typical manifestation of
vasopressin dysfunction.
,Q4: A client with acromegaly asks for an explanation of the
disorder. Which response is correct?
A) "Excess growth hormone causes increased bone density."
B) "Increased growth hormone results in decreased insulin
resistance."
C) "Elevated growth hormone leads to increased muscle mass and
strength."
D) "Too much growth hormone causes abnormal growth of bones
and soft tissues."
Answer: D — "Too much growth hormone causes abnormal
growth of bones and soft tissues."
Explanation: Acromegaly results from excessive GH secretion in
adulthood, causing abnormal enlargement of bones (especially
hands, feet, and face) and soft tissues.
Q5: A somatostatin analogue used in the treatment of
acromegaly that is 45× more potent in blocking GH is:
A) Cosyntropin
B) Leuprolide
C) Octreotide
D) Pegvisomant
Answer: C — Octreotide
Explanation: Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue that inhibits
GH secretion. A side effect includes vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.
, Q6: Which drug is a GH receptor antagonist?
A) Somatotropin
B) Pegvisomant
C) Octreotide
D) Leuprolide
Answer: B — Pegvisomant
Explanation: Pegvisomant is a GH receptor antagonist used in
acromegaly treatment. It blocks the action of GH at the receptor
level rather than reducing GH secretion.
Q7: Pituitary apoplexy is a medical emergency that results
from infarction or haemorrhage in a pituitary tumour. What is
the immediate priority?
A) Surgery
B) Stress-dose glucocorticoid administration
C) Cabergoline therapy
D) Fluid restriction
Answer: B — Stress-dose glucocorticoid administration
Explanation: Pituitary apoplexy can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
The immediate priority is stress-dose glucocorticoid
administration. Surgery is considered only if there is significant
visual compromise.
System: Q&A for Exam Preparation
Latest Update — 2025/2026
SECTION 1: HYPOTHALAMIC & PITUITARY HORMONES
Q1: Which of the following hormones is produced by the
hypothalamic gland?
A) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
B) Aldosterone
C) Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
D) Estradiol
Answer: C — Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
Explanation: GHRH is produced by the hypothalamus and
regulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior
pituitary. FSH is produced by the anterior pituitary, aldosterone by
the adrenal cortex, and estradiol by the ovaries.
Q2: Which of the following hormones is produced by the
anterior lobe of the pituitary?
,A) Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
B) Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
C) Growth hormone (somatotropin, GH)
D) Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
Answer: C — Growth hormone (somatotropin, GH)
Explanation: The anterior pituitary produces growth hormone,
TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and prolactin. TRH, CRH, and GHRH are all
hypothalamic hormones.
Q3: A client is diagnosed with a hypothalamic disorder
affecting the production of vasopressin. Which manifestation
is the nurse least likely to assess?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Polydipsia
C) Polyphagia
D) Polyuria
Answer: A — Hypoglycemia
Explanation: Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) deficiency leads
to diabetes insipidus, characterized by polyuria, polydipsia, and
dehydration. Hypoglycemia is not a typical manifestation of
vasopressin dysfunction.
,Q4: A client with acromegaly asks for an explanation of the
disorder. Which response is correct?
A) "Excess growth hormone causes increased bone density."
B) "Increased growth hormone results in decreased insulin
resistance."
C) "Elevated growth hormone leads to increased muscle mass and
strength."
D) "Too much growth hormone causes abnormal growth of bones
and soft tissues."
Answer: D — "Too much growth hormone causes abnormal
growth of bones and soft tissues."
Explanation: Acromegaly results from excessive GH secretion in
adulthood, causing abnormal enlargement of bones (especially
hands, feet, and face) and soft tissues.
Q5: A somatostatin analogue used in the treatment of
acromegaly that is 45× more potent in blocking GH is:
A) Cosyntropin
B) Leuprolide
C) Octreotide
D) Pegvisomant
Answer: C — Octreotide
Explanation: Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue that inhibits
GH secretion. A side effect includes vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.
, Q6: Which drug is a GH receptor antagonist?
A) Somatotropin
B) Pegvisomant
C) Octreotide
D) Leuprolide
Answer: B — Pegvisomant
Explanation: Pegvisomant is a GH receptor antagonist used in
acromegaly treatment. It blocks the action of GH at the receptor
level rather than reducing GH secretion.
Q7: Pituitary apoplexy is a medical emergency that results
from infarction or haemorrhage in a pituitary tumour. What is
the immediate priority?
A) Surgery
B) Stress-dose glucocorticoid administration
C) Cabergoline therapy
D) Fluid restriction
Answer: B — Stress-dose glucocorticoid administration
Explanation: Pituitary apoplexy can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
The immediate priority is stress-dose glucocorticoid
administration. Surgery is considered only if there is significant
visual compromise.
