Question 1

A patient has rapid weight gain, amenorrhea without pregnancy, and mild hypertension. Once confirmatory tests are performed, what is a possible treatment for this patient?&#10;A) Antihypertensive therapy&#10;B) Mineralocorticoid replacement&#10;C) Oral hydrocortisone&#10;D) Pituitary tumor resection

Accepted Answer

The symptoms suggest Cushing's disease, often caused by a pituitary adenoma. Pituitary tumor resection can address the underlying cause.

Question 2

A patient has new-onset hypertension with a systolic blood pressure of 180 mm Hg. Which test will the provider order to diagnose this patient?&#10;A) ACTH suppression testing&#10;B) Adrenal antibody tests&#10;C) Cortisol excretion studies&#10;D) Fractionated metanephrine levels

Accepted Answer

A systolic blood pressure of 180 mm Hg indicates severe hypertension, and in this case, the most likely cause is a pheochromocytoma. The best test to diagnose this condition is the fractionated metanephrine levels test, which measures the levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine in urine or plasma. ACTH suppression testing, adrenal antibody tests, and cortisol excretion studies are not appropriate for diagnosing hypertension due to a pheochromocytoma.

Question 3

A patient has unexplained weight loss and the provider notes increased skin pigmentation on light-exposed skin folds along with darkened palmar creases. Which laboratory tests will the provider order? (Select all that apply.)

A) Serum ACTH
B) Serum cortisol
C) Serum electrolytes
D) TB skin testing
E) Urine cortisol

A, C, D

Accepted Answer

A, C, D

Deck 185: Adrenal Gland Disorders