Which of the following is the most common cause of preventable mental deficiency in the world?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cretinism. Cretinism is the most common cause of preventable mental deficiency worldwide due to severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, which is essential for fetal brain development. Beriberi disease (A) is caused by thiamine deficiency and affects the nervous system, not mental deficiency. Folate deficiency (C) can cause neural tube defects but not mental deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency (D) can lead to blindness and immune system issues, but not the most common cause of preventable mental deficiency.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Weight loss. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to a decreased metabolic rate. This typically results in weight gain, not weight loss. Choices A, C, and D are all associated with hypothyroidism. Loss of libido can occur due to hormonal imbalances, cardiac failure can result from the decreased metabolic rate affecting the heart, and organic psychosis can be a symptom of severe untreated hypothyroidism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acute pancreatitis. Hyperparathyroidism is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by excessive production of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium levels in the blood. Nephrocalcinosis, palpable neck swelling, and pseudogout are commonly seen in hyperparathyroidism due to the effects of elevated calcium levels on the kidneys, parathyroid glands, and joints, respectively. Acute pancreatitis, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with gallstones, alcohol consumption, or certain medications, rather than hyperparathyroidism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Addison's disease is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of Addison's disease. The characteristic features include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, dizziness (B), hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, dehydration (D), and skin changes like dermatitis is common (C). Therefore, diarrhea does not align with the typical symptoms of Addison's disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inhibition of the function of thyroid peroxidase. Propylthiouracil inhibits thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. By blocking this enzyme, propylthiouracil reduces the production of thyroid hormones, helping to manage hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease. Explanation: 1. Propylthiouracil directly inhibits thyroid peroxidase, unlike other antithyroid medications that target different mechanisms. 2. Inhibition of thyroid peroxidase leads to decreased synthesis of thyroid hormones, effectively controlling hyperthyroidism. 3. Other choices are incorrect because propylthiouracil does not primarily affect the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (choice A), peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 (choice C), or iodine organification (choice D) in the treatment of Graves' disease. In summary, the inhibition of thyroid peroxidase by