Postmenopausal estrogen therapy has been shown to increase a female's risk of all the following clinical outcomes except:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Postmenopausal estrogen therapy has been shown to have a protective effect on bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, including hip fractures. Estrogen therapy helps to maintain bone strength and reduce the chances of fractures in postmenopausal women. Therefore, estrogen therapy does not increase the risk of hip fractures; in fact, it may decrease the risk of hip fractures in this population.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Acromegaly is typically caused by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. In around 95% of cases, this overproduction is due to the presence of a non-cancerous tumor called a pituitary adenoma. These adenomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that cause the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone, leading to the characteristic symptoms of acromegaly such as enlargement of the bones and soft tissues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Phaeochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that arises from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. It is the most common cause of a catecholamine-secreting tumor in adults. While it can also rarely occur outside the adrenal gland (referred to as extra-adrenal or paraganglioma), the majority of cases originate within the adrenal medulla. Symptoms of phaeochromocytoma are due to the excessive release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), leading to a characteristic triad of headaches, sweating, and palpitations. Therefore, the commonest cause of phaeochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An Addisonian crisis, also known as an acute adrenal crisis, is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs due to severe adrenal insufficiency, leading to a sudden drop in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its deficiency can result in serious symptoms such as hypotension, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. If left untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. Therefore, the correct description of an Addisonian crisis is severe adrenal insufficiency resulting in dangerously low serum cortisol levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Persistent muscular weakness is characteristic of myxoedema, which is severe hypothyroidism. Myxoedema can lead to general weakness and fatigue, as thyroid hormones play a crucial role in controlling metabolism and energy production in the body. Other symptoms of myxoedema include cold intolerance, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss. Conn's syndrome (hyperaldosteronism) is characterized by hypertension and low potassium levels, not persistent muscular weakness. Acromegaly is a condition resulting from excess growth hormone production, leading to enlarged body parts and metabolic changes but not specifically muscular weakness. Hyperparathyroidism is associated with high levels of parathyroid hormone, which can lead to bone weakening and calcium imbalance, but it is not typically a primary cause of muscular weakness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by the overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the blood. This excessive calcium can cause calcification in various tissues, including the basal ganglia of the brain. The calcification of the basal ganglia in primary hyperparathyroidism is a well-known radiological finding and can be visualized on imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI. Hypoparathyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by low levels of PTH and results in decreased serum calcium levels, making it an unlikely cause of basal ganglia calcification. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is associated with chronic kidney disease and is also characterized by high PTH levels, but basal ganglia calcification is not a typical manifestation of this condition. Milk-alkali syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive intake of

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results from the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) in adulthood. One of the key physical characteristics associated with acromegaly is the enlargement of facial features. People with acromegaly often develop prognathism, which is a condition where the lower jaw protrudes forward, leading to a prominent lower face. Additionally, they may have large fleshy lips due to the soft tissue swelling that occurs as a result of excess GH. Other common signs of acromegaly include enlarged hands and feet, thickened skin, and joint pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly is a disorder caused by the overproduction of growth hormone in adulthood, usually due to a pituitary tumor. The cranial nerves that may be affected in acromegaly are Cranial Nerves III, IV, VI (oculomotor, trochlear, abducens) due to compression of the optic chiasm by the expanding tumor. Cranial Nerve V (trigeminal nerve) may also be affected given its close proximity to the pituitary gland. However, Cranial Nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve) is not typically involved in acromegaly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hyperthermia is not a typical feature of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is typically characterized by high blood sugar levels, ketone accumulation, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness. Common symptoms include drowsiness, dehydration, and air hunger (deep and rapid breathing). However, hyperthermia, which refers to an elevated body temperature, is not a characteristic typically associated with DKA. It is important to monitor and manage DKA promptly as it is a serious complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention.