PHARMACOLOGY MIDTERM EXAM REVIEW: THYROID AND
ADRENAL ESSENTIALS
1. What is the primary mechanism of action of thyroid hormone
agonists?
A. They block the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
B. They mimic the effect of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 to regulate
metabolism.
C. They suppress the adrenal cortex to decrease cortisol levels.
D. They enhance the action of anticoagulants in the bloodstream.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to the study guide, thyroid hormone agonists are
drugs that mimic the effect of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, helping to
regulate metabolism.
2. A patient taking a thyroid hormone agonist presents with symptoms
of hyperthyroidism. What does this indicate?
A. The patient is experiencing an allergic reaction.
B. The patient has developed hypothyroidism.
C. The patient is experiencing an overdose of the medication.
D. The patient is experiencing bone marrow suppression.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The study guide states that thyroid hormone agonists have
few side effects and usually only occur when there is an overdose,
presenting with symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
3. Which of the following is a recognized adverse effect of thyroid
hormone agonists on the cardiac system?
A. Bradycardia and heart block.
,B. Decreased respiratory rate.
C. Overworking the heart, leading to angina pain or heart failure.
D. Severe hypotension and edema.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The adverse effects of thyroid hormone agonists on the
cardiac system include overworking the heart, which can lead to angina
pain, a heart attack, and heart failure.
4. Why should thyroid hormone agonists be used with caution in
patients with a history of seizures?
A. They decrease the seizure threshold and can lead to seizures.
B. They cause severe electrolyte imbalances.
C. They enhance the action of anti-seizure medications.
D. They cause bone marrow suppression.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The adverse effects of thyroid hormone agonists include
increased activity of the nervous system, which can lead to seizures.
This is more likely in some patients, especially those taking high doses.
5. What interaction occurs between thyroid hormone agonists and
anticoagulants?
A. Thyroid hormone agonists decrease the effect of anticoagulants.
B. Thyroid hormone agonists enhance the action of anticoagulants.
C. Thyroid hormone agonists have no interaction with anticoagulants.
D. Thyroid hormone agonists cause immediate clotting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The study guide explicitly states that thyroid hormone
agonists enhance the action of anticoagulants.
, 6. Which of the following symptoms are characteristic of
hypothyroidism?
A. Diarrhea, insomnia, and weight loss.
B. Tachycardia and heartbeat irregularities.
C. Slow heart rate, slow respiratory rate, and slow speech.
D. Excess facial and body hair.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include a slow heart
rate, slow respiratory rate, speaking slowly, thickened waxy-feeling skin,
weight gain, slow thinking, edema of the face, and lethargy.
7. A patient with hypothyroidism is likely to present with which skin
condition?
A. Flushed, dry, and peeling skin.
B. Thickened, waxy-feeling skin.
C. Excessive sweating and oily skin.
D. Severe hives and rash.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The study guide lists thickened, waxy-feeling skin as a sign of
hypothyroidism.
8. What is myxedema?
A. A mild form of hyperthyroidism.
B. A distinct swelling in the neck.
C. A severe type of hypothyroidism requiring immediate medical
attention.
D. A side effect of thyroid-suppressing drugs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Myxedema is defined in the study guide as a severe type of
hypothyroidism that requires immediate medical attention.
ADRENAL ESSENTIALS
1. What is the primary mechanism of action of thyroid hormone
agonists?
A. They block the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
B. They mimic the effect of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 to regulate
metabolism.
C. They suppress the adrenal cortex to decrease cortisol levels.
D. They enhance the action of anticoagulants in the bloodstream.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to the study guide, thyroid hormone agonists are
drugs that mimic the effect of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, helping to
regulate metabolism.
2. A patient taking a thyroid hormone agonist presents with symptoms
of hyperthyroidism. What does this indicate?
A. The patient is experiencing an allergic reaction.
B. The patient has developed hypothyroidism.
C. The patient is experiencing an overdose of the medication.
D. The patient is experiencing bone marrow suppression.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The study guide states that thyroid hormone agonists have
few side effects and usually only occur when there is an overdose,
presenting with symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
3. Which of the following is a recognized adverse effect of thyroid
hormone agonists on the cardiac system?
A. Bradycardia and heart block.
,B. Decreased respiratory rate.
C. Overworking the heart, leading to angina pain or heart failure.
D. Severe hypotension and edema.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The adverse effects of thyroid hormone agonists on the
cardiac system include overworking the heart, which can lead to angina
pain, a heart attack, and heart failure.
4. Why should thyroid hormone agonists be used with caution in
patients with a history of seizures?
A. They decrease the seizure threshold and can lead to seizures.
B. They cause severe electrolyte imbalances.
C. They enhance the action of anti-seizure medications.
D. They cause bone marrow suppression.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The adverse effects of thyroid hormone agonists include
increased activity of the nervous system, which can lead to seizures.
This is more likely in some patients, especially those taking high doses.
5. What interaction occurs between thyroid hormone agonists and
anticoagulants?
A. Thyroid hormone agonists decrease the effect of anticoagulants.
B. Thyroid hormone agonists enhance the action of anticoagulants.
C. Thyroid hormone agonists have no interaction with anticoagulants.
D. Thyroid hormone agonists cause immediate clotting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The study guide explicitly states that thyroid hormone
agonists enhance the action of anticoagulants.
, 6. Which of the following symptoms are characteristic of
hypothyroidism?
A. Diarrhea, insomnia, and weight loss.
B. Tachycardia and heartbeat irregularities.
C. Slow heart rate, slow respiratory rate, and slow speech.
D. Excess facial and body hair.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include a slow heart
rate, slow respiratory rate, speaking slowly, thickened waxy-feeling skin,
weight gain, slow thinking, edema of the face, and lethargy.
7. A patient with hypothyroidism is likely to present with which skin
condition?
A. Flushed, dry, and peeling skin.
B. Thickened, waxy-feeling skin.
C. Excessive sweating and oily skin.
D. Severe hives and rash.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The study guide lists thickened, waxy-feeling skin as a sign of
hypothyroidism.
8. What is myxedema?
A. A mild form of hyperthyroidism.
B. A distinct swelling in the neck.
C. A severe type of hypothyroidism requiring immediate medical
attention.
D. A side effect of thyroid-suppressing drugs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Myxedema is defined in the study guide as a severe type of
hypothyroidism that requires immediate medical attention.
