OSCE Endocrinology Investigations

Question 1

What is a thyroid ultrasound?

Answer 1

A test that uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland

Question 2

Where is the thyroid gland located?

Answer 2

At the base of your neck, butterfly-shaped

Question 3

What does a thyroid ultrasound help doctors look for?

Answer 3

Lumps, cysts, or abnormalities in the thyroid

Question 4

What special preparation is needed before a thyroid ultrasound?

Answer 4

Usually none; no fasting or avoiding foods/drinks

Question 5

What happens during a thyroid ultrasound?

Answer 5

Patient lies on back, gel applied, probe captures images

Question 6

Does a thyroid ultrasound hurt?

Answer 6

No, may feel slight pressure but no pain

Question 7

What are the risks associated with a thyroid ultrasound?

Answer 7

Very safe, no radiation or significant risks

Question 8

What aftercare is needed following a thyroid ultrasound?

Answer 8

No special aftercare; return to normal activities

Question 9

When will results from a thyroid ultrasound be available?

Answer 9

Usually within a day or two

Question 10

What is a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scan?

Answer 10

A test to assess how well the thyroid gland is working using radioactive iodine

Question 11

What preparations are needed before a RAIU scan?

Answer 11

Avoid iodine-containing foods/medications for a week and fast for a few hours

Question 12

What happens during a RAIU scan?

Answer 12

Swallow radioactive iodine, then undergo scan to measure uptake

Question 13

Does a RAIU scan hurt?

Answer 13

No, slight discomfort from swallowing iodine but no pain during scan

Question 14

What are the risks associated with a RAIU scan?

Answer 14

Minor side effects like metallic taste, nausea; small radiation exposure

Question 15

What aftercare is needed following a RAIU scan?

Answer 15

Return to normal activities, drink fluids to flush iodine

Question 16

When will results from a RAIU scan be available?

Answer 16

Usually within a few days

Question 17

What is a water deprivation test?

Answer 17

A test to check how well kidneys concentrate urine and balance fluids

Question 18

What preparations are needed before a water deprivation test?

Answer 18

Fast for several hours, stop certain medications

Question 19

What happens during a water deprivation test?

Answer 19

No liquids for several hours, monitor urine output, weight, blood pressure

Question 20

Does a water deprivation test hurt?

Answer 20

No, but may feel discomfort from blood draws and thirst

Question 21

What are the risks associated with a water deprivation test?

Answer 21

Mild dehydration, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances

Question 22

What aftercare is needed following a water deprivation test?

Answer 22

Rehydrate slowly, monitor for reactions

Question 23

When will results from a water deprivation test be available?

Answer 23

Usually within a few days

Question 24

What is a Synacthen test?

Answer 24

A test to check adrenal gland function by measuring cortisol response

Question 25

What preparations are needed before a Synacthen test?

Answer 25

Fast for a few hours, avoid caffeine, inform about medications

Question 26

What happens during a Synacthen test?

Answer 26

Baseline blood sample taken, Synacthen injected, cortisol levels measured

Question 27

Does a Synacthen test hurt?

Answer 27

No, may feel a small pinch from the needle

Question 28

What are the risks associated with a Synacthen test?

Answer 28

Mild discomfort, possible dizziness, allergic reactions

Question 29

What aftercare is needed following a Synacthen test?

Answer 29

Resume normal activities, drink fluids

Question 30

When will results from a Synacthen test be available?

Answer 30

Typically within a day or two

Question 31

What should be avoided before taking the Synacthen test?

Answer 31

Caffeine ## Footnote Caffeine can affect the results of the test.

Question 32

What medications should you inform your doctor about before the Synacthen test?

Answer 32

Steroid medications ## Footnote These can affect the results, and your doctor may advise stopping them temporarily.

Question 33

What can you do after the Synacthen test?

Answer 33

Eat and drink normally ## Footnote You can also resume medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Question 34

When are the results of the Synacthen test typically available?

Answer 34

Within a day or two

Question 35

What does a lack of expected rise in cortisol levels after the Synacthen test indicate?

Answer 35

Possible problem with adrenal glands or pituitary function

Question 36

What is an autoimmune screen for endocrine conditions?

Answer 36

A blood test to check if the immune system is attacking endocrine glands

Question 37

What does the autoimmune screen test for?

Answer 37

Antibodies associated with autoimmune reactions against endocrine glands

Question 38

What autoimmune diseases can the autoimmune screen help diagnose?

Answer 38

* Hashimoto’s thyroiditis * Graves’ disease * Addison’s disease * Type 1 diabetes

Question 39

What preparations are needed before the autoimmune screen test?

Answer 39

No special preparation required

Question 40

How is the autoimmune screen test performed?

Answer 40

Blood draw from the arm

Question 41

Does the autoimmune screen test hurt?

Answer 41

No, slight pinch may be felt

Question 42

What are the risks associated with the autoimmune screen test?

Answer 42

* Minimal risk * Mild bruising or soreness * Fainting or dizziness

Question 43

What should you do if you feel dizzy after the autoimmune screen test?

Answer 43

Rest for a few minutes and drink some water

Question 44

How long does it typically take to get results from the autoimmune screen?

Answer 44

A few days

Question 45

What is the purpose of the fasting glucose test?

Answer 45

To measure blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours

Question 46

What happens during the fasting glucose test?

Answer 46

Blood draw after fasting

Question 47

What are the risks associated with the fasting glucose test?

Answer 47

* Minimal risk * Possible lightheadedness * Bruising or swelling

Question 48

What should you do after the fasting glucose test?

Answer 48

Eat and drink normally

Question 49

When will you get results from the fasting glucose test?

Answer 49

Usually within a day or two

Question 50

What is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)?

Answer 50

A test to check how the body processes sugar

Question 51

What preparations are needed before the OGTT?

Answer 51

Fast for at least 8 hours, avoid food and drinks with sugar

Question 52

How is the OGTT conducted?

Answer 52

* Initial blood sample after fasting * Drink sugary liquid * Additional blood samples taken at intervals

Question 53

What are the potential risks of the OGTT?

Answer 53

* Nausea * Lightheadedness * Bruising or swelling

Question 54

When will you get results from the OGTT?

Answer 54

Usually within 1 to 2 days

Question 55

What should you avoid before the OGTT?

Answer 55

* Food and drink (except water) * Smoking * Intense exercise

Question 56

What can indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes during the fasting glucose test?

Answer 56

High blood sugar levels