Question 1

The endocrine system includes the following, EXCEPT:&#10;A) Pineal gland&#10;B) Hypothalamus&#10;C) Spleen&#10;D) Pancreas

Accepted Answer

The spleen is not part of the endocrine system; it is primarily involved in the lymphatic system and blood filtration, not hormone production or secretion. The pineal gland, hypothalamus, and pancreas are all part of the endocrine system, involved in hormone production and regulation.

Question 2

Describe the most important regulatory mechanism of the endocrine system:&#10;A) Positive feedback loop&#10;B) Negative feedback system&#10;C) Autoregulation&#10;D) All are correct

Accepted Answer

The negative feedback system is the most important regulatory mechanism in the endocrine system. It works by reducing the output or activity of any organ or system back to its normal range of functioning, thereby maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Question 3

This is characterised by high blood sugar levels with accompanying acidosis, and is a life-threatening condition:&#10;A) Diabetic ketoacidosis&#10;B) Diabetes type 1&#10;C) Diabetes type 2&#10;D) Diabetes insipidus

Accepted Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes characterized by very high blood sugar levels along with acidosis. It is most common in type 1 diabetes but can also occur in type 2 diabetes under certain conditions. It is considered a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

Question 4

The type of diabetes characterised mainly due to insulin resistance:&#10;A) Diabetes type 2&#10;B) Diabetes type 1&#10;C) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)&#10;D) Diabetes insipidus

Accepted Answer

Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Question 5

In a patient who is diagnosed with DKA who hasbeen resuscitated, what should be regularly monitored?&#10;A) Blood glucose levels and creatine&#10;B) Blood glucose levels and urea&#10;C) Blood glucose levels and ketones&#10;D) Blood glucose level and potassium levels

Accepted Answer

Blood glucose levels and ketones should be regularly monitored in a patient who is diagnosed with DKA who has been resuscitated.

Question 6

Which of the following is a possible presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis?&#10;A) Kussmaul respirations&#10;B) Bradycardia&#10;C) Hypertension&#10;D) Anuria

Accepted Answer

Kussmaul respirations are a deep and labored breathing pattern often associated with severe metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the body attempts to compensate for the acidosis by expelling more CO2 through deep breaths.

Question 7

Aside from assessing ABCD, what is the priority management in DKA?&#10;A) Fluid replacement&#10;B) Electrolyte balance restoration&#10;C) Maintaining blood glucose levels&#10;D) All are correct

Accepted Answer

All options are integral components of managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), including fluid replacement to address dehydration, electrolyte balance restoration to correct imbalances, especially potassium, and maintaining blood glucose levels to normalize them gradually.

Question 8

A condition with presenting hyperglycaemia, high plasma osmolarity but without significant ketone accumulation or acidosis, and typically occurs in type 2 diabetes:&#10;A) Diabetic ketoacidosis&#10;B) Hyperglycaemic, hyperosmolar syndrome&#10;C) Diabetes insipidus&#10;D) All are correct

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycaemic, hyperosmolar syndrome is characterized by severe hyperglycemia, increased plasma osmolarity, and dehydration without significant ketosis or acidosis, and is most commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.

Question 9

A diabetic patient is experiencing hypoglycaemia. She is conscious and able to follow commands. What would be the most likely intervention?&#10;A) Give insulin to re-establish sugar level parameters&#10;B) Give fast-acting glucose-containing food&#10;C) Administer IV glucose&#10;D) All are correct

Accepted Answer

For a conscious diabetic patient experiencing hypoglycemia, the immediate intervention is to give fast-acting glucose-containing food or drink to quickly raise their blood sugar levels. Insulin would lower blood sugar further, and IV glucose is typically reserved for patients who are not conscious or unable to swallow.

Question 10

Following large amounts of alcohol intake, the patient presents in ED with very low blood sugar levels, and increased ketone levels. He is not a known diabetic. What is this condition referred to?&#10;A) DKA&#10;B) HHS&#10;C) Alcoholic ketoacidosis&#10;D) Hypoglycaemia

Accepted Answer

Alcoholic ketoacidosis occurs when there is an excessive intake of alcohol, which inhibits gluconeogenesis and leads to low blood sugar and increased ketone production due to the metabolism of fatty acids. This condition is distinct from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), which are complications of diabetes, and from hypoglycemia, which is simply low blood sugar without the associated increase in ketones.

Deck 26: Endocrine Emergencies