Endocrine

Question 1

What is the most common cause of hypocalcemia?

Answer 1

hypothyroidism

Question 2

What are signs of hypocalcemia?

Answer 2

seizures, anxiety, edema, weakness, numbness, hypotension,

Question 3

What is Chvostek Sign?

Answer 3

tap on facial nerve to elicit spasms, and can be a sign of hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia

Question 4

What is Trousseau’s Sign?

Answer 4

have BP cuff squeeze brachial artery, and hold for a few minutes to see if the hand spasms
-test for hypoparathyroidism/hypocalcemia

Question 5

What causes hypercalcemia? symptoms?

Answer 5

1. hyperparathyroidism
2. adenomas (benign or malignant)
3. Renal failure, Vit D deficiency

-lethargy, weakness, polyuria, constipation, syncope from arrhythmias

Question 6

What is the mnemonic for hypercalcemia?

Answer 6

Stones, bones, groans, thrones, psychiatric overtones

Question 7

What can cause hypothyroidism?

Answer 7

1. Hashimoto’s
2. Medications
3. Pregnancy
4. Treatment for hyperthyroidism
5. Thyroidectomy

Question 8

What are symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Answer 8

constipation, depression, fatigue, pale/dry skin, sensitivity to cold, elevated cholesterol levels, dry/brittle nails and hair, and weight gain

Question 9

What are causes of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 9

1. Grave’s disease
2. toxic nadular or multinodular goiter
3. Thyroiditis
4. Excessive consumption of iodine or meds
5. Pregnancy or first year after brith

Question 10

What are symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 10

hand tremors, mood swings, anxiety, rapid HR, skin dryness, trouble sleeping, weight loss

Question 11

What are primary causes of Addison’s? secondary?

Answer 11

1. AI > TB > chronic infections, surgical removal, cancer
2. Sudden stop of exogenous glucocorticoids, surgical removal of ACTH producing tumor, pituitary gland suddenly stops producing ACTH

Question 12

What are symptoms of Addison’s (adrenal insufficiency)?

Answer 12

skin darkening, skin folds, pressure points, N/V/D, salty food craving, weight loss, loss of appetite, irritability, hypoglycemia

Question 13

What is the class Grave’s sign?

Answer 13

exophthalmos “proptosis”

bulging of the eyes

Question 14

What are symptoms of Cushing syndrome?

Answer 14

fatigue, headaches, backaches, swelling, acne, hair loss

Question 15

What are some classic signs of cushing syndrome?

Answer 15

• round/red face
• purplish streaks across skin (striae)
• unusual buildup of fatty tissue b/t the shoulder blades
• unusual buildup of fatty tissue in abdomen with thin extremities
• easy bruising
• excess facial/body hair growth

Question 16

Why is Addisonian crisis/acute adrenal insufficiency important to recognize?

Answer 16

it can be fatal

Question 17

Does Cushing Syndrome affect men or women more?

Answer 17

women

Question 18

What are causes of Cushing Syndrome?

Answer 18

1. Endogenous: Pituitary tumor > adrenal tumor = other causes
2. Exogenous: medications

Question 19

What is the most common pituitary adenoma?

Answer 19

hyperproloactinemia

symptoms: galactorrhea, menstrual abnormalities, hypogonadism, possibly vision problems if it gets large

Question 20

What typically causes hypercalcemia?

Answer 20

90% caused by hyperpara or malignancy

Question 21

What are target tissues of thyroid hormone?

Answer 21

heart
liver
bone
CNS

Question 22

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 22

graves’ dx

Question 23

What is the most common cause of Addison’s

Answer 23

primary
70% autoimmune
20% due to TB

Question 24

What labs do you order for workup of addison’s

Answer 24

serum cortisol

serum ACTH