Q&A | USU
1. A 45-year-old female presents with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation.
Her TSH is elevated and free T4 is low. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Cushing syndrome
D) Addison disease
Correct Answer: B) Hypothyroidism
Rationale: Elevated TSH with low free T4 confirms primary hypothyroidism. Symptoms
reflect decreased metabolic rate.
2. Which of the following is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
A) Graves disease
B) Hashimoto thyroiditis
C) Thyroid adenoma
D) Iodine deficiency
Correct Answer: A) Graves disease
Rationale: Graves disease is an autoimmune condition causing TSH receptor stimulation and
is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
3. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is most likely to exhibit which pathophysiologic
mechanism?
A) Insulin resistance
B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
,C) Excessive glucagon secretion
D) Decreased insulin receptor sensitivity
Correct Answer: B) Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-
producing beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency.
4. Which of the following is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus?
A) Coronary artery disease
B) Diabetic retinopathy
C) Peripheral arterial disease
D) Stroke
Correct Answer: B) Diabetic retinopathy
Rationale: Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication affecting small blood
vessels in the retina.
5. A patient with Addison disease is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A) Hypernatremia and hypokalemia
B) Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
C) Hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia
D) Hyperglycemia and hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B) Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
Rationale: Addison disease causes decreased aldosterone production, leading to sodium loss
and potassium retention.
, 6. What is the primary mechanism of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A) Excess insulin secretion
B) Severe insulin deficiency leading to lipolysis and ketone production
C) Excessive fluid intake
D) Hyperaldosteronism
Correct Answer: B) Severe insulin deficiency leading to lipolysis and ketone production
Rationale: DKA occurs when severe insulin deficiency causes uncontrolled lipolysis,
resulting in excessive ketone body production and metabolic acidosis.
7. Which of the following is a characteristic of Cushing syndrome?
A) Hypotension and weight loss
B) Truncal obesity and moon face
C) Hyperpigmentation and hyperkalemia
D) Polyuria and polydipsia
Correct Answer: B) Truncal obesity and moon face
Rationale: Cushing syndrome results from excess cortisol and is characterized by truncal
obesity, moon face, and buffalo hump.
8. What is the primary mechanism of diabetes insipidus?
A) Excessive ADH secretion
B) Deficiency of ADH or renal resistance to ADH
C) Excess aldosterone secretion
D) Deficiency of cortisol
Correct Answer: B) Deficiency of ADH or renal resistance to ADH