Which test is used to evaluate blood glucose levels over the previous 2 months?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin A1c, also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 2 to 3 months. This test is useful in monitoring long-term blood glucose control in individuals with diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c provides an indication of how well blood glucose levels have been controlled over time, reflecting the average blood sugar levels during the lifespan of red blood cells, which is typically around 2 to 3 months. A higher Hemoglobin A1c level indicates poorer blood glucose control and an increased risk of diabetes complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Gastroparesis is a complication of diabetes mellitus. It is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles in the stomach, causing delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and poor appetite. Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the stomach muscles, resulting in gastroparesis. Managing blood sugar levels and following a proper diet can help in controlling the symptoms of gastroparesis in individuals with diabetes. Exophthalmos, hirsutism, and moon facies are not typically associated with complications of diabetes mellitus.

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: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of ambiguous genitalia in newborns. This condition is due to a deficiency of enzymes in the adrenal gland that are necessary for the production of cortisol. As a result, the body produces excess androgens (masculinizing hormones), leading to abnormal genital development in females. The external genitalia may appear ambiguous, with features of both male and female genitalia. This condition can be detected through newborn screening and confirmed through further hormonal and genetic testing. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy to normalize hormone levels and surgery may be required to reconstruct the genitalia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hyperuricemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which are responsible for various health problems. The three main conditions associated with hyperuricemia are cardiovascular disease (A), gouty arthritis (B), and nephrolithiasis (C).