MCQ quiz on endocrine pathology MBBS basic science
Pathology-
Question: Which of the following is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
a) Hashimoto's thyroiditis
b) Graves' disease
c) Thyroid adenoma
d) Thyroid carcinomaCorrect Answer: b) Graves' disease
Explanation: Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, characterized by autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid.
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Question: Which of the following is a hallmark feature of Addison's disease?
a) Increased cortisol production
b) Increased aldosterone production
c) Decreased cortisol and aldosterone production
d) Increased ACTH secretionCorrect Answer: c) Decreased cortisol and aldosterone production
Explanation: Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone due to adrenal gland failure.
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Question: The most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in the United States is:
a) Iodine deficiency
b) Hashimoto's thyroiditis
c) Thyroid cancer
d) Radiation therapyCorrect Answer: b) Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Explanation: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease where the thyroid is attacked by the body’s immune system.
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Question: Which of the following is typically seen in a patient with Cushing's syndrome?
a) Hyperpigmentation of the skin
b) Moon face and buffalo hump
c) Cold intolerance
d) Weight lossCorrect Answer: b) Moon face and buffalo hump
Explanation: Cushing's syndrome, caused by excess cortisol, is associated with features such as moon face, buffalo hump, and central obesity.
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Question: Which of the following is the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism?
a) Parathyroid carcinoma
b) Parathyroid adenoma
c) Secondary to chronic renal failure
d) Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemiaCorrect Answer: b) Parathyroid adenoma
Explanation: Parathyroid adenoma is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, leading to hypercalcemia.
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Question: The hallmark of pheochromocytoma is:
a) Increased aldosterone secretion
b) Increased catecholamine secretion
c) Increased cortisol secretion
d) Decreased thyroid hormone levelsCorrect Answer: b) Increased catecholamine secretion
Explanation: Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla, leading to hypertension and symptoms like headaches, sweating, and palpitations.
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Question: The most common endocrine cause of infertility in women is:
a) Cushing's syndrome
b) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
c) Hyperthyroidism
d) HypopituitarismCorrect Answer: b) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Explanation: PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder affecting fertility in women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries.
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Question: A 60-year-old woman presents with weight loss, palpitations, and exophthalmos. The most likely diagnosis is:
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Hyperparathyroidism
c) Graves' disease
d) Hashimoto's thyroiditisCorrect Answer: c) Graves' disease
Explanation: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism, often associated with exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and other symptoms like weight loss and palpitations.
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Question: What is the main cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism?
a) Parathyroid adenoma
b) Chronic kidney disease
c) Hypercalcemia
d) Malignant hypercalcemiaCorrect Answer: b) Chronic kidney disease
Explanation: In chronic kidney disease, reduced kidney function leads to decreased phosphate excretion and vitamin D production, resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- Question: In which of the following conditions would you expect to see the "wooden" feeling of the skin?
a) Diabetes mellitus
b) Scleroderma
c) Acromegaly
d) Hyperthyroidism
Correct Answer: b) Scleroderma
Explanation: Scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder, results in thickening and hardening of the skin, often described as a "wooden" feeling.
- Question: Which of the following is a feature of hyperaldosteronism?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypercalcemia
d) Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Explanation: Hyperaldosteronism leads to increased sodium retention and potassium excretion, resulting in hypokalemia and hypertension.
- Question: The most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a deficiency in:
a) 21-hydroxylase
b) 11β-hydroxylase
c) 17α-hydroxylase
d) 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
Correct Answer: a) 21-hydroxylase
Explanation: The most common cause of CAH is a deficiency in 21-hydroxylase, leading to reduced cortisol production and adrenal hyperplasia.
- Question: What is the most common cause of acromegaly?
a) Pituitary adenoma
b) Growth hormone resistance
c) Hypothalamic dysfunction
d) Ectopic growth hormone production
Correct Answer: a) Pituitary adenoma
Explanation: Acromegaly is most commonly caused by a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma.
- Question: In a patient with a history of diabetes and recent weight loss, the most likely cause of their symptoms is:
a) Insulin resistance
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Addison's disease
d) Diabetic ketoacidosis
Correct Answer: d) Diabetic ketoacidosis
Explanation: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of diabetes, often presenting with weight loss, polyuria, and ketoacidosis due to insulin deficiency.
- Question: Which of the following is a characteristic of myxedema coma?
a) Hyperthermia
b) Hypertension
c) Hypothermia
d) Tachycardia
Correct Answer: c) Hypothermia
Explanation: Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism, often presenting with hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status.
- Question: Which of the following is most commonly associated with the development of thyroid carcinoma?
a) Chronic iodine deficiency
b) Hashimoto's thyroiditis
c) Radiation exposure
d) Diabetes mellitus
Correct Answer: c) Radiation exposure
Explanation: Radiation exposure, particularly during childhood, is a significant risk factor for thyroid carcinoma.
- Question: The condition characterized by increased cortisol production due to a pituitary adenoma is called:
a) Cushing's disease
b) Cushing's syndrome
c) Addison's disease
d) Conn's syndrome
Correct Answer: a) Cushing's disease
Explanation: Cushing's disease refers to Cushing's syndrome caused specifically by a pituitary adenoma that secretes excess ACTH, leading to increased cortisol production.
- Question: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of hypoparathyroidism?
a) Hypocalcemia
b) Hyperphosphatemia
c) Tetany
d) Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: d) Hypercalcemia
Explanation: Hypoparathyroidism typically results in hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, leading to tetany, not hypercalcemia.
- Question: A common finding in a patient with diabetes mellitus is:
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypoglycemia
c) Polyuria
d) Hypothermia
Correct Answer: c) Polyuria
Explanation: Polyuria (excessive urination) is common in diabetes mellitus due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels.
- Question: Which of the following is the most common cause of secondary hypothyroidism?
a) Hashimoto's thyroiditis
b) Pituitary adenoma
c) Thyroidectomy
d) Iodine deficiency
Correct Answer: b) Pituitary adenoma
Explanation: Secondary hypothyroidism occurs due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, often caused by pituitary adenomas.
- Question: Which of the following is a common sign of hypercalcemia?
a) Muscle cramps
b) Constipation
c) Hyperreflexia
d) Diarrhea
Correct Answer: b) Constipation
Explanation: Hypercalcemia often causes symptoms like constipation, lethargy, and muscle weakness due to the effects of high calcium levels.
- Question: A condition in which there is an absence of cortisol and aldosterone production due to adrenal destruction is known as:
a) Cushing’s syndrome
b) Addison’s disease
c) Conn’s syndrome
d) Pheochromocytoma
Correct Answer: b) Addison’s disease
Explanation: Addison's disease is characterized by the destruction of the adrenal cortex, leading to deficiencies in cortisol and aldosterone.
- Question: Which of the following is the most common cause of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
a) Hypokalemia
b) Hypercalcemia
c) Chronic kidney disease
d) Lithium therapy
Correct Answer: d) Lithium therapy
Explanation: Lithium therapy is a common cause of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where the kidneys are unresponsive to ADH.
- Question: In hyperparathyroidism, the primary cause of hypercalcemia is:
a) Increased renal calcium excretion
b) Increased calcium absorption in the intestines
c) Increased calcium release from bones
d) Decreased vitamin D activation
Correct Answer: c) Increased calcium release from bones
Explanation: In hyperparathyroidism, excessive parathyroid hormone increases bone resorption, leading to hypercalcemia.
- Question: The most common cause of hypoglycemia in non-diabetic adults is:
a) Insulinoma
b) Addison's disease
c) Hypopituitarism
d) Alcohol-induced hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: a) Insulinoma
Explanation: An insulinoma is a tumor of the pancreas that produces excess insulin, leading to hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals.
- Question: A common cause of secondary hypogonadism is:
a) Klinefelter's syndrome
b) Hypopituitarism
c) Turner syndrome
d) Cryptorchidism
Correct Answer: b) Hypopituitarism
Explanation: Hypopituitarism, a condition where the pituitary gland fails to produce sufficient hormones, can result in secondary hypogonadism, which leads to impaired gonadal function.
- Question: Which of the following is a classic feature of hyperthyroidism in a patient with Graves' disease?
a) Weight gain
b) Bradycardia
c) Exophthalmos
d) Cold intolerance
Correct Answer: c) Exophthalmos
Explanation: Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is a hallmark sign of Graves' disease, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Question: Which of the following hormones is typically elevated in primary hyperparathyroidism?
a) Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
b) Calcitonin
c) Vitamin D
d) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Correct Answer: a) Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Explanation: In primary hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid glands secrete excess PTH, which leads to hypercalcemia.
- Question: A 25-year-old male presents with a small, painless, firm nodule in his thyroid. His TSH and T3/T4 levels are normal. The next best step in management is:
a) Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
b) Thyroidectomy
c) Observation with repeat ultrasound in 6 months
d) Radioactive iodine scan
Correct Answer: a) Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy
Explanation: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is the standard next step in evaluating thyroid nodules to rule out malignancy, particularly if the nodule is firm and persistent.
- Question: A condition that leads to an increased risk of adrenal insufficiency due to bilateral destruction of the adrenal glands is:
a) Cushing's syndrome
b) Addison's disease
c) Conn's syndrome
d) Pheochromocytoma
Correct Answer: b) Addison's disease
Explanation: Addison’s disease causes bilateral adrenal gland destruction, leading to insufficient production of adrenal hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone.
- Question: In a patient with pheochromocytoma, which of the following would you expect to find in their urine?
a) Elevated levels of cortisol
b) Increased urinary catecholamines
c) Decreased urinary catecholamines
d) Elevated levels of thyroid hormones
Correct Answer: b) Increased urinary catecholamines
Explanation: Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excess catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), leading to elevated levels of these compounds in the urine.
- Question: The most common complication of untreated hyperthyroidism is:
a) Stroke
b) Cardiac arrhythmias
c) Sepsis
d) Bone fractures
Correct Answer: b) Cardiac arrhythmias
Explanation: Untreated hyperthyroidism, especially in conditions like Graves' disease, increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation.
- Question: Which of the following is a clinical feature of hypothyroidism?
a) Tachycardia
b) Weight loss
c) Bradycardia
d) Heat intolerance
Correct Answer: c) Bradycardia
Explanation: Hypothyroidism often leads to bradycardia, fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance due to the slowed metabolism caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
- Question: In a patient with acromegaly, which of the following is typically elevated?
a) Growth hormone
b) Thyroid-stimulating hormone
c) Prolactin
d) Parathyroid hormone
Correct Answer: a) Growth hormone
Explanation: Acromegaly is typically caused by a pituitary adenoma that secretes excess growth hormone, leading to overgrowth of tissues and bones.
- Question: Which of the following is the hallmark sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
a) Hypoglycemia
b) Metabolic alkalosis
c) Kussmaul respirations
d) Polycythemia
Correct Answer: c) Kussmaul respirations
Explanation: Kussmaul respirations, which are deep and labored breathing, are a characteristic feature of diabetic ketoacidosis as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis.
- Question: A 40-year-old female presents with amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and visual disturbances. Imaging reveals a pituitary tumor. The most likely diagnosis is:
a) Prolactinoma
b) Cushing's disease
c) Acromegaly
d) Craniopharyngioma
Correct Answer: a) Prolactinoma
Explanation: Prolactinoma, a benign pituitary tumor, leads to elevated prolactin levels, which can cause symptoms such as amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and visual disturbances due to compression of surrounding structures.
- Question: The condition characterized by pituitary hyperplasia, often resulting in low levels of TSH and ACTH despite low circulating levels of thyroid hormone and cortisol, is:
a) Secondary hypothyroidism
b) Primary hypothyroidism
c) Cushing's disease
d) Sheehan's syndrome
Correct Answer: a) Secondary hypothyroidism
Explanation: In secondary hypothyroidism, the pituitary fails to secrete adequate TSH and ACTH, despite low thyroid hormone and cortisol levels in the body.
- Question: What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in older adults?
a) Graves' disease
b) Thyroiditis
c) Toxic multinodular goiter
d) Thyroid carcinoma
Correct Answer: c) Toxic multinodular goiter
Explanation: Toxic multinodular goiter is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in older adults, characterized by autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.
- Question: In a patient with Addison's disease, what laboratory finding is typically observed?
a) Low plasma sodium
b) Low potassium levels
c) High plasma glucose
d) Low ACTH levels
Correct Answer: a) Low plasma sodium
Explanation: In Addison's disease, low aldosterone secretion causes a loss of sodium and water, resulting in hyponatremia (low plasma sodium) and dehydration.
- Question: Which of the following is a common sign of Conn's syndrome?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypercalcemia
d) Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Explanation: Conn's syndrome is caused by an aldosterone-secreting adrenal tumor, leading to sodium retention, potassium excretion, and resulting hypokalemia.
- Question: The most common presenting symptom of pituitary adenomas is:
a) Visual disturbances
b) Severe headache
c) Polyuria
d) Galactorrhea
Correct Answer: a) Visual disturbances
Explanation: Pituitary adenomas, especially those that enlarge, can compress the optic chiasm, leading to visual disturbances such as bitemporal hemianopia.
- Question: A patient with untreated hyperparathyroidism is at increased risk for which of the following?
a) Osteoporosis
b) Rickets
c) Hypocalcemia
d) Thyroid cancer
Correct Answer: a) Osteoporosis
Explanation: Chronic hyperparathyroidism results in increased bone resorption, which can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
- Question: The most likely cause of hypoglycemia in a patient with a history of insulin therapy is:
a) Adrenal insufficiency
b) Hypopituitarism
c) Insulin overdose
d) Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: c) Insulin overdose
Explanation: Hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients is most often caused by an insulin overdose or mismatch between insulin and food intake.
- Question: A patient with a history of chronic alcohol use presents with confusion, ataxia, and a history of poor dietary intake. The most likely diagnosis is:
a) Hypercalcemia
b) Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
c) Diabetic ketoacidosis
d) Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: b) Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Explanation: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency, often due to chronic alcoholism, leading to confusion, ataxia, and memory disturbances.
- Question: Which of the following is a common finding in patients with diabetes mellitus?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Polydipsia
c) Hypertension
d) Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: b) Polydipsia
Explanation: Polydipsia (excessive thirst) is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus due to the high blood glucose levels that lead to osmotic diuresis.
- Question: The classic triad of pheochromocytoma includes:
a) Hypertension, headache, and diaphoresis
b) Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, and fatigue
c) Weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia
d) Abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice
Correct Answer: a) Hypertension, headache, and diaphoresis
Explanation: The classic triad of pheochromocytoma includes episodes of hypertension, headache, and diaphoresis (excessive sweating).
