WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY/NEWEST UPDATE!!!
Question 1
When an individual experiences nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anorexia, weakness, and
hypoglycemia, which hormone deficiency is the most likely cause?
A) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
B) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
C) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D) Luteinizing hormone (LH)
E) Growth hormone (GH)
Correct Answer: B) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Rationale: ACTH deficiency leads to secondary adrenal insufficiency. ACTH is responsible
for stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a "stress hormone"
essential for gluconeogenesis; therefore, its absence leads to hypoglycemia. The lack of
cortisol also impacts the gastrointestinal system and general metabolism, leading to nausea,
anorexia, and profound weakness.
Question 2
Which of the following is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Graves disease?
A) Lethargy
B) Lid lag
C) Cool, moist skin
D) Decreased sympathetic response
E) Weight gain
Correct Answer: B) Lid lag
Rationale: Graves disease is a form of hyperthyroidism. Lid lag (von Graefe's sign) occurs
because of increased sympathetic tone and changes in the extraocular muscles and orbital
fat. Other options like lethargy and weight gain are associated with hypothyroidism,
whereas hyperthyroidism causes hyperactivity and weight loss despite increased appetite.
Question 3
A patient presents with severe dehydration, extreme hyperglycemia (800 mg/dL), and a plasma
osmolarity of 350 mOsm/L. An absence of ketosis is noted. What condition does this person
most likely have?
A) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Somogyi effect
D) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNKS)
E) Diabetes Insipidus
Correct Answer: D) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNKS)
Rationale: HHNKS is characterized by extreme hyperglycemia and dehydration without
significant ketosis. It typically occurs in Type 2 Diabetes because there is enough circulating
, 2
insulin to prevent the breakdown of fats (lipolysis) and subsequent ketone production, but
not enough to prevent the massive rise in blood glucose and the resulting osmotic diuresis.
Question 4
Which statement is true regarding the pathophysiology of acromegaly?
A) It occurs as a result of excessive levels of ACTH.
B) It is commonly caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma.
C) It occurs more frequently in men than in women.
D) It is a relatively common condition in the pediatric population.
E) It results in increased linear growth of long bones.
Correct Answer: B) Is commonly caused by GH-secreting pituitary adenoma
Rationale: Acromegaly results from the hypersecretion of Growth Hormone (GH) during
adulthood, usually due to a benign pituitary tumor. Because it occurs after the epiphyseal
plates have closed, it does not cause increased height (gigantism), but rather results in the
enlargement of hands, feet, and facial features.
Question 5
Which of the following represent the "classic" symptoms of undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus?
A) Polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia
B) Weight gain, lethargy, and edema
C) Hypotension, tachycardia, and glycosuria
D) Diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion
E) Polyuria, hypercalcemia, and constipation
Correct Answer: A) Polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia
Rationale: These are known as the "3 Ps." Polyuria (excessive urination) is caused by
osmotic diuresis from glucose in the urine. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) results from
dehydration caused by polyuria. Polyphagia (excessive hunger) occurs because the body's
cells are starving for energy despite high blood glucose, as the insulin deficiency prevents
glucose from entering the cells.
Question 6
A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). What
electrolyte abnormality is most likely to be present?
A) Hypernatremia
B) Hypocalcemia
C) Hyponatremia
D) Hyperkalemia
E) Hypomagnesemia
Correct Answer: C) Hyponatremia
Rationale: SIADH involves the excessive release of ADH, which causes the kidneys to
, 3
reabsorb too much water. This excess water expands the extracellular fluid volume and
dilutes the sodium in the blood, leading to dilutional hyponatremia.
Question 7
A patient with Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is likely to exhibit which of the following clinical signs?
A) Low urine output and high specific gravity
B) High urine output and low specific gravity
C) High blood pressure and weight gain
D) Edema and pulmonary congestion
E) Hyperglycemia and ketosis
Correct Answer: B) High urine output and low specific gravity
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is caused by an insufficiency of ADH (or a lack of response to
it). Without ADH, the kidneys cannot concentrate urine, leading to the excretion of large
volumes of very dilute urine (polyuria) with a low specific gravity (usually < 1.005).
Question 8
Which physical finding is most characteristic of Cushing Syndrome?
A) Thin, wasted extremities and "moon face"
B) Thick, oily skin and large jaw
C) Hypotension and hyperpigmentation
D) Exophthalmos and goiter
E) Brittle hair and slow heart rate
Correct Answer: A) Thin, wasted extremities and "moon face"
Rationale: Cushing Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess cortisol. Cortisol
causes a redistribution of fat to the trunk (centripetal obesity) and face (moon face), while
promoting muscle wasting in the extremities due to its catabolic effects on protein.
Question 9
Addison's Disease is characterized by the inadequate production of which hormones?
A) Insulin and Glucagon
B) T3 and T4
C) Cortisol and Aldosterone
D) Growth Hormone and Prolactin
E) Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: C) Cortisol and Aldosterone
Rationale: Addison's Disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal cortex is
destroyed (often via autoimmune processes). This leads to a deficiency in both
glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), resulting in hypotension,
hypoglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances.