ATI RN
Endocrine Pharmacology Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A glucocorticoid devoid of salt-retaining activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Glucocorticoids without salt-retaining activity do not cause sodium retention, leading to hyponatremia. This is due to their lack of mineralocorticoid effects. The other choices are incorrect because hypercalcemia (B) is associated with hyperparathyroidism or excessive vitamin D, hypokalemia (C) is linked to potassium-wasting diuretics or renal tubular acidosis, and hyperglycemia (D) can be caused by factors like diabetes or excessive carbohydrate intake.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following events best explains the patient's syndrome of weakness, paresthesias, constipation, and low potassium level in Addison disease?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fludrocortisone excess. In Addison's disease, there is adrenal insufficiency leading to low levels of cortisol and aldosterone. Fludrocortisone is a synthetic mineralocorticoid used to replace aldosterone in the treatment of Addison's disease. Excess fludrocortisone can cause retention of sodium and water, leading to hypertension, hypokalemia, weakness, and paresthesias. Constipation can also occur due to altered electrolyte balance. A: Cortisol-induced hyperglycemia is not the best explanation for the patient's symptoms as hyperglycemia is not a prominent feature of Addison's disease. C: Inadequate therapy of adrenal insufficiency would not cause the specific symptoms mentioned. D: Cortisol-induced myopathy is not the primary cause of weakness and paresthesias in Addison's disease; aldosterone deficiency leading to electrolyte imbalance is more relevant.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate to decrease the patient's symptoms before surgery for uterine fibroids?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Finasteride. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that can decrease the size of uterine fibroids by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This can help reduce symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain before surgery. Ethinyl estradiol (A) is a form of estrogen and can potentially worsen fibroid symptoms. Flutamide (B) is an antiandrogen used for conditions like prostate cancer, not for uterine fibroids. Mifepristone (D) is a progesterone receptor antagonist used for medical abortion, not for managing fibroid symptoms before surgery.
Question 4 of 5
A 26-year-old woman came to her physician complaining of hyperpigmentation of her face. Physical examination revealed a poorly defined, blotchy, masklike zone of facial pigmentation with almost equal involvement of her cheeks, temples, and forehead. Skin biopsy showed increased melanin pigment in basal layers. The woman had been taking a hormonal contraceptive for 6 years. She was a long-distance runner and admitted the use of oxandrolone, erythropoietin, and methamphetamine while training. Which of the following drugs most likely caused the hyperpigmentation in this woman?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxandrolone. Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid known to cause hyperpigmentation due to increased melanin production. The patient's history of taking oxandrolone aligns with the presentation of hyperpigmentation on her face. Ethinyl estradiol (choice A) is a common component of hormonal contraceptives but is not known to cause hyperpigmentation. Erythropoietin (choice C) is a hormone used to stimulate red blood cell production and is not associated with hyperpigmentation. Norethindrone (choice D) is another hormonal contraceptive component that does not typically cause hyperpigmentation. In this case, the patient's use of oxandrolone is the most likely culprit for her hyperpigmentation.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following would be the most appropriate pharmacotherapy for a patient with vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate intake?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Cholecalciferol is the inactive form of vitamin D, which is converted to calcitriol in the body. Step 2: In a patient with vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate intake, supplementing with cholecalciferol is necessary to raise vitamin D levels. Step 3: Calcitriol (choice B) is the active form of vitamin D and is not the first-line treatment for deficiency due to inadequate intake. Step 4: Teriparatide (choice C) is a medication used for osteoporosis, not for treating vitamin D deficiency. Step 5: Cinacalcet (choice D) is used for treating hyperparathyroidism, not for vitamin D deficiency. Summary: Cholecalciferol is the appropriate choice as it directly addresses the deficiency by providing the precursor to active vitamin D, while the other choices are not indicated for this specific situation.