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  • Question 1 - A 40-year-old heavy smoker presents with a serum sodium level of 113 mmol/l....

    Correct

    • A 40-year-old heavy smoker presents with a serum sodium level of 113 mmol/l. A diagnosis of SIADH is confirmed.
      What is the most appropriate initial management for his fluid balance?

      Your Answer: Fluid restriction

      Explanation:

      European guidelines for the treatment of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis include the following recommendations for the management of moderate or profound hyponatremia:
      – Restrict fluid intake as first-line treatment.
      – Second-line treatments include increasing solute intake with 0.25-0.50 g/kg per day or a combination of low-dose loop diuretics and oral sodium chloride.
      – Use of lithium, demeclocycline, or vasopressin receptor antagonists is not recommended.
      Recommendations on the treatment of SIADH from an American Expert Panel included the following:
      – If chronic, limit the rate of correction.
      – Fluid restriction should generally be first-line therapy.
      – Consider pharmacologic therapies if serum Na + is not corrected after 24-48 hr of fluid restriction or if the patient has a low urinary electrolyte free water excretion.
      – Patients being treated with vaptans should not be on a fluid restriction initially.
      – Water, 5% dextrose or desmopressin can be used to slow the rate of correction if the water diuresis is profound.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      48.3
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A man was admitted with galactorrhoea. History reveals that the patient has been...

    Correct

    • A man was admitted with galactorrhoea. History reveals that the patient has been having problems with getting and maintaining an erection. He also admits he's noticed a decrease in the quantity of his facial hair. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Hyper prolactinaemia

      Explanation:

      Increased levels of prolactin in men can lead to erectile dysfunction, reduced facial and body hair and on rare occasion gynecomastia with galactorrhoea.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      24.3
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  • Question 3 - A 46-year-old woman was referred to the endocrinology department with hypercalcemia and raised...

    Correct

    • A 46-year-old woman was referred to the endocrinology department with hypercalcemia and raised parathyroid hormone levels. Her blood tests are highly suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism.
      She has type 2 diabetes controlled by metformin alone. Her albumin-adjusted serum calcium level is 3.5 mmol/litre.

      Which of the following is the most important reason for her referral?

      Your Answer: Albumin-adjusted serum calcium level of 3.5 mmol/litre

      Explanation:

      Indications for surgery for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism:
      1. Symptoms of hypercalcaemia such as thirst, frequent or excessive urination, or constipation
      2. End-organ disease (renal stones, fragility fractures or osteoporosis)
      3. An albumin-adjusted serum calcium level of 2.85 mmol/litre or above.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      59.1
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - A 69-year-old diabetic female presents for a regular outpatient visit. Her BMI is...

    Incorrect

    • A 69-year-old diabetic female presents for a regular outpatient visit. Her BMI is calculated to be 33. Lab results: GFR=29, Urea=13, Creatinine=390 mmol/L. Which of the following drugs should ideally be used by this patient?

      Your Answer: Sulfonylurea

      Correct Answer: Insulin

      Explanation:

      The management of patients with diabetes and nephropathy necessitates attention to several aspects of care. Importantly, glycaemic control should be optimized for the patient, attaining the necessary control to reduce complications but done in a safe, monitored manner. Screening for development of nephropathy should be performed on a regular basis to identify microalbuminuria or reductions in GFR and if identified, the diabetes regimen should be tailored accordingly. Prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy and other complications necessitates a multifactorial approach. From the options provided insulin is the most suitable as sulfonylureas and biguanides are contraindicated in renal failure. Glitazones are known to cause many side effects including fluid retention and oedema. Hence, insulin will be the best option in this scenario.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      80.3
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - A 77-year-old woman is admitted in an unconscious state. On examination in casualty,...

    Incorrect

    • A 77-year-old woman is admitted in an unconscious state. On examination in casualty, her temperature is 33 °C and she was in left ventricular failure.
      Her blood glucose level is 5.7 mmol/l and random cortisol is elevated. Free T4 is 4.4 pmol/l.
      A CT scan of her brain reveals no focal lesion and a cursory assessment reveals no gross focal neurology.

      Which diagnosis fits best with this woman's clinical picture?

      Your Answer: Alcohol excess

      Correct Answer: Profound hypothyroidism

      Explanation:

      Elderly patients with severe hypothyroidism often present with variable symptoms that may be masked or potentiated by co-morbid conditions. Characteristic symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, hoarseness, constipation, and myalgias. Neurologic symptoms may include ataxia, depression, and mental status changes ranging from mild confusion to overt dementia.
      Clinical findings that may raise suspicion of thyroid hormone deficiency include hypothermia, bradycardia, goitrous enlargement of the thyroid, cool dry skin, myxoedema, delayed relaxation of deep tendon reflexes, a pericardial or abdominal effusion, hyponatremia, and hypercholesterolemia.

      The patient has a greatly reduced free T4 concentration, is hypothermic, unconscious and has evidence of associated heart failure. All of those support the diagnosis of profound hypothyroidism.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      304
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A 26-year-old woman presents to a reproductive endocrinology clinic with a history of...

    Correct

    • A 26-year-old woman presents to a reproductive endocrinology clinic with a history of not being able to conceive after 2 years of using no contraception. Polycystic ovarian syndrome maybe her diagnosis.
      Which of the following is most likely to be associated with this condition?

      Your Answer: Elevated LH/FSH ratio

      Explanation:

      In patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), FSH levels are within the reference range or low. Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are elevated for Tanner stage, sex, and age. The LH-to-FSH ratio is usually greater than 3.

      Women with PCOS have abnormalities in the metabolism of androgens and oestrogen and in the control of androgen production. PCOS can result from abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.
      The major features of PCOS include menstrual dysfunction, anovulation, and signs of hyperandrogenism. Other signs and symptoms of PCOS may include the following:
      – Hirsutism
      – Infertility
      – Obesity and metabolic syndrome
      – Diabetes
      – Obstructive sleep apnoea

      Androgen excess can be tested by measuring total and free testosterone levels or a free androgen index. An elevated free testosterone level is a sensitive indicator of androgen excess. Other androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), may be normal or slightly above the normal range in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are usually low in patients with PCOS.

      Some women with PCOS have insulin resistance and an abnormal lipid profile (cholesterol >200 mg/dL; LDL >160 mg/dL). Approximately one-third of women with PCOS who are overweight have impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus by 30 years of age.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      63.3
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  • Question 7 - A 50-year-old woman is referred to the outpatient clinic with a 6-month history...

    Correct

    • A 50-year-old woman is referred to the outpatient clinic with a 6-month history of diarrhoea. She has had intermittent loose normal-coloured stools 2-3 times a day. She also has up to 10 hot flushes a day but thinks she is entering menopause; her GP has recently started her on hormone replacement therapy.
      15 years ago she had a normal colonoscopy after presenting with abdominal pain and intermittent constipation. She has asthma controlled by inhalers, hypertension controlled by ACE inhibitors and hypothyroidism controlled by thyroxine. She smoked 10 cigarettes a day for the last 30 years and drinks alcohol about 14 units/week.

      On examination, she looks hot and flushed. She is afebrile. Her pulse is regular 92 bpm and her BP is 164/82 mmHg. Her respirator rate is 20 breaths/min at rest and she sounds quite wheezy. A widespread polyphonic expiratory wheeze can be heard on chest auscultation.
      Her abdomen is soft. Her liver is enlarged 4 cm below the right costal margin but not-tender.

      Results of blood tests show:

      Na 140 mmol/l
      K 4.8 mmol/l
      Glucose 9.8 mmol/l
      Albumin 41 g/l
      ALT 94 U/l
      ALP 61 U/l
      Bilirubin 18 mmol/l
      Ca 2.47 mmol/l
      WCC 10.1 × 109/l
      Hb 12.2 g/dl
      MCV 90.5 fl
      Platelets 234 × 109 /l
      PT 13 s

      Chest X-ray is normal.
      Ultrasound of the liver shows an enlarged liver containing three ill-defined mass lesions in the right lobe.

      What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Carcinoid syndrome

      Explanation:

      Carcinoid tumours are of neuroendocrine origin and derived from primitive stem cells in the gut wall, especially the appendix. They can be seen in other organs, including the lungs, mediastinum, thymus, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, bronchus, ovaries, prostate, and kidneys. While carcinoid tumours tend to grow slowly, they have the potential to metastasise.
      Signs and symptoms seen in larger tumours may include the following:
      – Periodic abdominal pain: Most common presentation for a small intestinal carcinoid; often associated with malignant carcinoid syndrome.
      – Cutaneous flushing: Early and frequent (94%) symptom; typically affects head and neck.
      – Diarrhoea and malabsorption (84%): Watery, frothy, or bulky stools, gastrointestinal (GI) bleed or steatorrhea; may or may not be associated with abdominal pain, flushing, and cramps.
      – Cardiac manifestations (60%): Valvular heart lesions, fibrosis of the endocardium; may lead to heart failure with tachycardia and hypertension.
      – Wheezing or asthma-like syndrome (25%): Due to bronchial constriction; some tremors are relatively indolent and result in chronic symptoms such as cough and dyspnoea.
      – Pellagra with scale-like skin lesions, diarrhoea and mental disturbances.
      – Carcinoid crisis can be the most serious symptom of the carcinoid tumours and life-threatening. It can occur suddenly or after stress, including chemotherapy and anaesthesia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      99.3
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - A 45-year-old obese patient arrives at the clinic for a regular health check...

    Correct

    • A 45-year-old obese patient arrives at the clinic for a regular health check up. His labs are as follows: Fasting blood sugar: 6 mmol/l, Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): 10 mmol/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Impaired glucose tolerance

      Explanation:

      Impaired glucose tolerance means that blood glucose is raised beyond normal levels, but not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. With impaired glucose tolerance you face a much greater risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Impaired glucose tolerance is defined as 2-hour glucose levels of 140 to 199 mg per dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol) on the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, and impaired fasting glucose is defined as glucose levels of 100 to 125 mg per dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol per L) in fasting patients.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      37.1
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 40-year-old man is referred by his general practitioner. He has a family...

    Incorrect

    • A 40-year-old man is referred by his general practitioner. He has a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
      Cholesterol testing reveals triglyceride levels of 4.2 mmol/l and a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of 0.8 mmol/l.
      You advise him to start fibrate therapy.
      Which of the following best describes the mode of action for fibrates?

      Your Answer: They are inhibitors of CETP cholesterol ester transferase protein activity

      Correct Answer: They are inhibitors of lipoprotein lipase activity and increase HDL synthesis

      Explanation:

      Treatment with fibrates, a widely used class of lipid-modifying agents, results in a substantial decrease in plasma triglycerides and is usually associated with a moderate decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol concentrations.
      Evidence from studies is available to implicate 5 major mechanisms underlying the above-mentioned modulation of lipoprotein phenotypes by fibrates:
      1. Induction of lipoprotein lipolysis.
      2. Induction of hepatic fatty acid (FA) uptake and reduction of hepatic triglyceride production.
      3. Increased removal of LDL particles. Fibrate treatment results in the formation of LDL with a higher affinity for the LDL receptor, which is thus catabolized more rapidly.
      4. Reduction in neutral lipid (cholesteryl ester and triglyceride) exchange between VLDL and HDL may result from decreased plasma levels of TRL.
      5. Increase in HDL production and stimulation of reverse cholesterol transport. Fibrates increase the production of apoA-I and apoA-II in the liver, which may contribute to the increase of plasma HDL concentrations and a more efficient reverse cholesterol transport.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      338.4
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - A 15-year-old child with learning difficulties is referred to the endocrine clinic for...

    Correct

    • A 15-year-old child with learning difficulties is referred to the endocrine clinic for review. His lab results show hypocalcemia and increased serum concentration of parathyroid hormone. On examination, there is subcutaneous calcification and a short fifth metacarpal in each hand.

      What is the treatment of choice in this case?

      Your Answer: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation

      Explanation:

      This child has pseudo hypoparathyroidism. It is a heterogeneous group of rare endocrine disorders characterized by normal renal function and resistance to the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH), manifesting with hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased serum concentration of PTH.
      Patients with pseudo hypoparathyroidism type 1a present with a characteristic phenotype collectively called Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). The constellation of findings includes the following:
      Short stature
      Stocky habitus
      Obesity
      Developmental delay
      Round face
      Dental hypoplasia
      Brachymetacarpals
      Brachymetatarsals
      Soft tissue calcification/ossification
      The goals of therapy are to maintain serum total and ionized calcium levels within the reference range to avoid hypercalcaemia and to suppress PTH levels to normal. This is important because elevated PTH levels in patients with PHP can cause increased bone remodelling and lead to hyper-parathyroid bone disease.
      The goals of pharmacotherapy are to correct calcium deficiency, to prevent complications, and to reduce morbidity. Intravenous calcium is the initial treatment for all patients with severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Administration of oral calcium and 1alpha-hydroxylated vitamin D metabolites, such as calcitriol, remains the mainstay of treatment and should be initiated in every patient with a diagnosis of pseudo hypoparathyroidism.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      71.5
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - Which of the following is correct regarding post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) according...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following is correct regarding post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) according to randomised clinical studies ?

      Your Answer: Reduces cardiovascular mortality

      Correct Answer: Increases plasma triglycerides

      Explanation:

      Oestrogen therapy reduces plasma levels of LDL cholesterol and increases levels of HDL cholesterol. It can improve endothelial vascular function, however, it also has adverse physiological effects, including increasing the plasma levels of triglycerides (small dense LDL particles). Therefore, although HRT may have direct beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes, these effects may be reduced or balanced by the adverse physiological effects.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      24.3
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  • Question 12 - A 50-year-old man is found incidentally to have hypercalcaemia during a routine health...

    Correct

    • A 50-year-old man is found incidentally to have hypercalcaemia during a routine health screen.
      Which one of the following biochemical findings would be most suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism rather than any other cause of hypercalcaemia?

      Your Answer: Serum PTH concentration within the normal range

      Explanation:

      Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is diagnosed based upon levels of blood calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). In most people with PHPT, both levels are higher than normal. Occasionally, a person may have an elevated calcium level and a normal or minimally elevated PTH level. Since PTH should normally be low when calcium is elevated, a minimally elevated PTH is considered abnormal and indicates PHPT.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      38
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - A 44-year-old woman is investigated for hot flushes and night sweats. Her blood...

    Incorrect

    • A 44-year-old woman is investigated for hot flushes and night sweats. Her blood tests show a significantly raised FSH level and her symptoms are attributed to menopause. Following discussions with the patient, she elects to have hormone replacement treatment. What is the most significant risk of prescribing an oestrogen-only preparation rather than a combined oestrogen-progestogen preparation?

      Your Answer: Increased risk of breast cancer

      Correct Answer: Increased risk of endometrial cancer

      Explanation:

      The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on unopposed oestrogen increases the risk of endometrial cancer, and uterine hyperplasia or cancer.
      Evidence from randomized controlled studies showed a definite association between HRT and uterine hyperplasia and cancer. HRT based on unopposed oestrogen is associated with this observed risk, which is unlike the increased risk of breast cancer linked with combined rather than unopposed HRT.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      54.6
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - A 50-year-old heavy drinker is brought to the A&E in a drowsy state....

    Incorrect

    • A 50-year-old heavy drinker is brought to the A&E in a drowsy state. He is responding to questions however on examination he has nystagmus and hyper-reflexia. His MCV is 103fL.What is the most likely cause for his cognitive impairment?

      Your Answer: B12 Deficiency

      Correct Answer: B1 Deficiency

      Explanation:

      Thiamine deficiency is very common with alcoholism. It manifests by Wernicke-Korsakoff encephalopathy. The patient is usually agitated, with an abnormal gait and amnesia.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      32
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  • Question 15 - A 39-year-old female had surgery for the removal of thyroid carcinoma. One week...

    Correct

    • A 39-year-old female had surgery for the removal of thyroid carcinoma. One week later, she presented in the OPD with complaints of numbness, tingling, involuntary spasm of the upper extremities, paraesthesia and respiratory stridor. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

      Your Answer: Hypocalcaemia

      Explanation:

      Hypocalcaemia presents with such symptoms. It probably happened due to accidental removal of a parathyroid gland during the thyroid surgery. Hypocalcaemia causes laryngospasm which produces stridor.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      40.4
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - A 30-year-old man with type-1 diabetes mellitus on insulin presents in the A&E...

    Correct

    • A 30-year-old man with type-1 diabetes mellitus on insulin presents in the A&E with fever, cough, vomiting and abdominal pain.
      Examination reveals a dry mucosa, decreased skin turgor and a temperature of 37.8 °C.
      Chest examination reveals bronchial breathing in the right lower lobe, and a chest X-ray shows it to be due to a right lower zone consolidation.
      Other investigations show:
      Blood glucose: 35 mmol/l
      Na+: 132 mmol/l
      K+: 5.5 mmol/l
      urea: 8.0 mmol/l
      creatinine: 120 μmol/l
      pH: 7.15
      HCO3: 12 mmol/l
      p(CO2): 4.6 kPa
      chloride: 106 mmol/l.
      Urinary ketones are positive (+++).

      The patient is admitted to the hospital and treated. Which of the following should not be used while treating him?

      Your Answer: Bicarbonate

      Explanation:

      Bicarbonate therapy is not indicated in mild and moderate forms of DKA because metabolic acidosis will correct with insulin therapy. The use of bicarbonate in severe DKA is controversial due to a lack of prospective randomized studies. It is thought that the administration of bicarbonate may actually result in peripheral hypoxemia, worsening of hypokalaemia, paradoxical central nervous system acidosis, cerebral oedema in children and young adults, and an increase in intracellular acidosis. Because severe acidosis is associated with worse clinical outcomes and can lead to impairment in sensorium and deterioration of myocardial contractility, bicarbonate therapy may be indicated if the pH is 6.9 or less.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      55.9
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - A 30-year-old previously well female presented with yellowish discolouration of her sclera. Investigations...

    Correct

    • A 30-year-old previously well female presented with yellowish discolouration of her sclera. Investigations revealed low haemoglobin, a retic count of 8% and the occasional spherocyte on blood film. Which of the following is the most appropriate single investigation?

      Your Answer: Direct coombs test

      Explanation:

      A low haemoglobin and a high retic count is suggestive of a haemolytic anaemia. Occasional spherocytes can be seen on blood film during haemolysis and it is not a specific finding. Direct Coombs test will help to identify autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, where there are antibodies attached to RBCs.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      95.1
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - In a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which of the following is most specific...

    Correct

    • In a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which of the following is most specific to the disease?

      Your Answer: Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies

      Explanation:

      Hashimoto thyroiditis is part of the spectrum of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) and is characterized by the destruction of thyroid cells by various cell- and antibody mediated immune processes. It usually presents with hypothyroidism, insidious in onset, with signs and symptoms slowly progressing over months to years.

      The diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis relies on the demonstration of circulating antibodies to thyroid antigens (mainly thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin) and reduced echogenicity on thyroid sonogram in a patient with proper clinical features.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      26.3
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - A 30-year-old lawyer presents with non-specific symptoms of tiredness.
    Blood tests reveal normal thyroid...

    Correct

    • A 30-year-old lawyer presents with non-specific symptoms of tiredness.
      Blood tests reveal normal thyroid function, cortisol, growth hormone and gonadotropins. Pituitary MRI reveals a 0.8cm microadenoma.

      Which of the following represents the most appropriate course of action?

      Your Answer: Observation and reassurance

      Explanation:

      The patient has a non-functioning pituitary tumour as her hormone profile is normal.
      Non-functioning pituitary tumours are relatively common. A large number of these tumours are incidentally found pituitary microadenomas (<1 cm) and are usually of no clinical importance.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      67.6
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  • Question 20 - A 20-year-old woman presents for review. She is concerned due to absence of...

    Correct

    • A 20-year-old woman presents for review. She is concerned due to absence of menstruation for 5 months.
      She is 1.76 m in height and weighs only 43.7 kg (7 stone).
      A pregnancy test is negative and thyroid function testing is normal.

      Which of the following is the diagnosis of this case?

      Your Answer: Weight-related amenorrhoea

      Explanation:

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Endocrine System & Metabolism
      58
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Endocrine System & Metabolism (14/20) 70%
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