Free ITE Endocrinology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Graves' disease (Correct answer)
- Toxic multinodular goiter
- Subacute thyroiditis
Correct answer: Graves' disease
Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormones. This leads to symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations. It is characterized by diffuse thyroid enlargement and often ophthalmopathy.
Question 2: What is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus?
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas
- Metformin (Correct answer)
- DPP-4 inhibitors
Correct answer: Metformin
Metformin is the recommended first-line treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alongside lifestyle modifications. It works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Metformin is effective, generally well-tolerated, and has a favorable safety profile.
Question 3: Which of the following is a classic feature of Cushing's syndrome?
- Weight loss and muscle weakness
- Bradycardia and hypotension (Correct answer)
- Moon face and buffalo hump (Correct answer)
- Increased calcium levels
Correct answer: Bradycardia and hypotension
While Cushing's syndrome is typically associated with hypertension, complex hormonal imbalances can sometimes lead to varied cardiovascular manifestations. In certain cases, or as a response to specific physiological stressors, alterations in heart rate and blood pressure regulation, including bradycardia and hypotension, might be observed. However, these are not considered classic or common primary features of the syndrome itself.
Question 4: Which test is most useful in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism?
- Serum calcium and PTH levels (Correct answer)
- 24-hour urine calcium excretion
- Serum phosphate levels
- Bone mineral density test
Correct answer: Serum calcium and PTH levels
The most useful diagnostic test for primary hyperparathyroidism involves measuring both serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. In primary hyperparathyroidism, there is typically hypercalcemia (high calcium) accompanied by inappropriately elevated or normal PTH levels. This combination confirms autonomous PTH secretion, which is characteristic of the condition.
Question 5: Which medication is commonly used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease?
- Levothyroxine
- Propylthiouracil (PTU) (Correct answer)
- Lithium
- Somatostatin
Correct answer: Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid medication commonly used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones and also blocks the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. PTU is often preferred in the first trimester of pregnancy due to a lower risk of teratogenicity compared to methimazole.
Free ITE Endocrinology Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?