PLAB Endocrinology Practice Exam

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• Which hormone increases blood calcium levels?
• A 44 year old lady has just recovered from an upper respiratory tract infection. What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis related to her symptoms and lab results?
• A patient with Addison's disease is expected to have which electrolyte abnormality?
• What balances calcium levels in the blood?
• What is the single most likely diagnosis for a 30-year-old man with episodic headaches, palpitations, anxiety, and high blood pressure?
• Which symptom is most likely associated with a diagnosis of thyroiditis related to a viral infection?
• A 74 year old smoker presents with cough and pigmentation of the oral mucosa. What is the most probable diagnosis?
• What is the main role of aldosterone in the body?
• A 32-year-old man experiences anxiety with palpitations and is found hypertensive. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• A 39-year-old lady with a 15mm tumor in the pituitary fossa has not responded to cabergoline for her prolactinoma. What is the most appropriate management?
• In a case of a pituitary tumor, what would you expect to be the consequence on vision?
• What is a common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries?
• A 4 year old child presents with vomiting and shows signs of dehydration. What is his arterial blood gas profile likely to show?
• What is the SINGLE most appropriate immediate management for a known type 1 diabetic presenting with abdominal pain and fruity-smelling breath?
• A 45-year-old man with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain suggests which specific endocrine disorder?
• A 42-year-old woman with unexplained nipple discharge has lost her libido. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which condition is indicated by a woman who has weight gain, lethargy, and a pulse rate of 55 beats/minute?
• Which hormone is responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a 23-year-old woman with secondary amenorrhea, dark neck pigmentation, severe acne, and low potassium?
• Which hormone is produced in response to high blood glucose levels and promotes glucose uptake?
• In a patient with T1DM presenting with drowsiness and deep breathing, what is the most appropriate next step?
• A known diabetic patient is admitted with sudden loss of consciousness. What is the initial investigation that should be performed?
• What hormone is known to increase calcium absorption from the gut?
• A 58-year-old woman shows signs of fatigue, diarrhea, and skin changes. What is the most likely electrolyte abnormality?
• What is the SINGLE most likely visual abnormality associated with a pituitary tumour?
• What effect does cortisol have on the immune system?
• A 32-year-old woman with headaches has a serum potassium of 2.9 mmol/l. What is the most appropriate hormone test to order?
• A patient presents with erectile dysfunction, reduced facial hair, and galactorrhea. What is the most probable diagnosis?
• After an appendectomy, what is the appropriate management for a patient with sodium at 129 mmol/L?
• Which condition is associated with excess production of insulin leading to low blood sugar levels?
• What is the primary function of glucagon?
• A patient presents with fruity breath, abdominal pain, and high blood glucose. What is the most appropriate immediate management?
• What is the primary organizational structure of the endocrine system's regulatory mechanism?
• A 9 year old boy presents with glycosuria after an appendectomy but has no history of diabetes. What is the most appropriate follow-up investigation?
• What test is indicated in a patient showing symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
• Which type of pharmacological management is typically first-line in treating Type 2 diabetes unless contraindicated?
• Which condition is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland?
• Which laboratory finding is a hallmark of primary hyperaldosteronism?
• What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis for a woman with severe abdominal pain, hyperpigmentation, and low blood pressure?
• A 79-year-old woman diagnosed with T2DM and microalbuminuria is currently symptom-free. What is the most appropriate drug management?
• Which of the following is a common symptom of Addison's disease?
• A 58-year-old man with diabetes shows symptoms of drowsiness and fatigue. Which initial investigation should be performed?
• What medical condition is usually linked to low levels of cortisol?
• What is the effect of thyroid hormones on metabolic rate?
• Which laboratory test is primarily used to assess glucose metabolism for diabetes diagnosis?
• In a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patient with microalbuminuria, what is the most appropriate medication for management?
• A patient with Addison's disease typically presents with which type of electrolyte imbalance?
• In a patient with Conn's syndrome, what would you expect to find in terms of potassium levels?
• What is the SINGLE most likely biochemical abnormality associated with multiple myeloma?
• What endocrine disorder is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
• In a 65-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes, which pharmacological management is most appropriate after dietary changes fail?
• What condition is characterized by increased production of aldosterone?
• Which endocrine organ plays a crucial role in regulating the body's stress response?
• What is the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on the thyroid gland?
• What is the function of aldosterone?
• A 29-year-old Afro-Caribbean man presents with a non-productive cough and elevated ESR. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What hormone is primarily responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics?
• For a 68-year-old woman with Type 2 Diabetes and poor renal function, what is the most appropriate pharmacological management?
• Which hormone is produced in response to low blood calcium levels?
• Following a thyroidectomy, a 42 year old woman exhibits tingling and spasms. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• A woman with thyrotoxicosis and plans for pregnancy is most likely to be treated with what?
• In a patient with hypercalcemia due to malignancy, what is the SINGLE most appropriate initial step in treatment?
• What biochemical abnormality is likely associated with a 55-year-old man diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung?
• In a case of amenorrhea and galactorrhea with a pituitary tumor, what is the most appropriate management?
• What effect does thyroid hormone have on metabolism?
• A 45-year-old woman has lost 12 kg and experiences episodes of rapid heartbeat. What is the most appropriate investigation to perform?
• What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
• In a patient with Cushing's syndrome, what laboratory finding would typically be expected?
• What condition is characterized by chronic overproduction of growth hormone?
• A patient develops stridor shortly after extubation for thyroidectomy. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What is the characteristic symptom of primary adrenal insufficiency?
• Which hormone is involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle?
• What condition is a consequence of an underactive adrenal gland?
• What is the primary treatment method for Cushing's syndrome?
• Which pancreatic cells are responsible for insulin production?
• A 40-year-old lady who has been a smoker has a hemoglobin level of 19. What hormone should you check?
• A 45-year-old lady presents with diarrhea and hyperpigmentation alongside hypotension. What electrolyte abnormality is most likely?
• A 15-year-old boy presents with bitemporal hemianopia and spade-like hands. What is the definitive test to confirm the diagnosis?
• For a 79-year-old man with lung cancer and a sodium level of 122 mmol/L, what is the most appropriate management?
• In an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), what glucose venous plasma level 2 hours after intake indicates impaired glucose tolerance?
• What is the significance of the negative feedback mechanism in the endocrine system?
• In the case of a 29-year-old diabetic man who becomes unconscious, what is the most appropriate initial investigation?
• Which type of diabetes is most likely in a 19-year-old man with family history of diabetes and symptoms of frequent urination and thirst?
• What does the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) indicate in the context of endocrinology?
• What is the most appropriate management for a 29-year-old lady presenting with palpitations and excessive sweating, suspected of a thyroid crisis?
• What is the single most likely electrolyte pattern to be found in a patient with tiredness, permanent skin tanning, and dizziness upon standing?
• A man diagnosed with phaeochromocytoma exhibits hypertension and sweating. What is the most suitable initial medication?
• Which hormone is secreted by the thyroid and helps regulate metabolism?
• What hormonal imbalance is commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
• Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism in the body?
• What is the key hormone that plays a role in the stress response and is secreted by the adrenal cortex?
• If a newborn with congenital hypothyroidism does not receive treatment, what feature might develop?
• A 40-year-old man presents with thirst and lethargy, with a blood pressure of 140/90mmHg and corrected calcium of 3.7mmol/l. What is the most appropriate management at this stage?
• What complications might an 80-year-old diabetic woman with redness and swelling in her foot develop?
• A 43-year-old woman has blood pressure of 160/90 mmHg and shows Na+=140mmol/L, K+=3.1mmol/L. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What is the most common electrolyte abnormality in patients with Addison's disease?
• Which hormone is secreted primarily by the pituitary gland and stimulates milk production?
• What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis for a 32-year-old man with paroxysmal hypertension and profuse sweating?
• Which hormone is primarily responsible for the regulation of calcium levels in the blood?
• A 9-year-old boy shows transient glycosuria after surgery. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What effect does elevated growth hormone have on blood glucose levels?
• Which management option is most appropriate for a 45-year-old man with colon cancer and a fasting blood glucose of 9 mmol/L?
• What is the typical initial step in managing a patient presenting with severe DKA?
• A 44 year old woman shows low serum calcium, low phosphate, and raised alkaline phosphatase. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• In a patient diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome, what unexpected feature may be present?
• A 35-year-old man with T1DM is dehydrated and has a blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?
• Which disease is caused by an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex leading to insufficient production of adrenal hormones?
• What condition is characterized by hypercalcaemia and is frequently linked to malignancy?
• What is the most appropriate management for insulin in a patient scheduled for a hernia operation?
• Which clinical condition may result from chronic excess production of thyroid hormones?
• Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells?
• A 39-year-old woman presents with visual disturbances due to a pituitary tumor. What is the most common clinical effect of such tumors?
• What is the single most appropriate next step for a 44-year-old man with acute renal failure and tall tented T waves on ECG?
• What are the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism?
• A 27-year-old woman with anxiety and weight loss presents with tachycardia and tremors. What mechanism accounts for her weight loss?
• What is the likely cause of weight loss and dyspnoea in a 55-year-old man who smokes and has lung cancer?
• Which of the following findings is NOT associated with Cushing's disease?
• What is the most appropriate next step for a 21-year-old man found semi-conscious after drinking at a party?
• A 38 year old patient experiences tingling and spasms in the arms following thyroid surgery. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What is the primary effect of testosterone in males?
• What is the SINGLE most appropriate investigation for a 55-year-old man with frequent urination and a deep painless ulcer?
• In a suspected case of diabetes insipidus, what laboratory finding is consistent with central diabetes insipidus?
• What is the primary function of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?
• A 52-year-old woman with breast cancer experiences urinary frequency. Which part of the brain has metastasis?
• Which condition can occur due to excessive growth hormone secretion in adults?
• After several months of dexamethasone treatment, a patient with a glioblastoma shows abdominal symptoms. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
• What condition is indicated by a serum potassium level of 2.5mmol/L in a patient with secondary amenorrhea and severe acne?
• The presence of dark pigmentation of the skin along with postural hypotension is most indicative of which disease?
• A 29 year old smoker presents with dry eyes and diplopia. What is the SINGLE most appropriate next step in management?
• A 60-year-old diabetic patient presents with easy fatigability, weakness, and numbness of hands. The renal biopsy shows an amorphous substance that stained red with congo-red. What is the diagnosis?
• A 20 year old singer reports inability to raise the pitch of her voice post-surgery. What is the likely diagnosis?
• A patient is admitted with increased frequency of passing urine, increased thirst, weakness, and muscle cramps. What is the most probable diagnosis?
• What is the most probable diagnosis for a middle-aged man with a neck lump that moves while swallowing?
• What effect does the hormone leptin have on the body?
• A man with a swollen, painful wrist, change in shoe size, and cold intolerance is most likely to have what condition?
• What condition is primarily characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels?
• What is the most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure?
• A 62 year old man post bowel resection has low urine output and is becoming breathless. What is the SINGLE most appropriate immediate management for his condition?
• Which anti-hypertensive medication is most likely responsible for high potassium and low sodium levels in a patient?
• What does the term 'hyperparathyroidism' refer to?
• What is the primary function of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?
• What is the primary hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels?
• Which hormone plays a crucial role in the stress response, alongside adrenaline?
• What condition might result from prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids?
• A woman with bluish discoloration, obesity, and hypertension is suspected of having Cushing's syndrome. Which test is best for confirmation?
• What is the most appropriate preoperative management for a patient with T2DM undergoing gastric surgery?
• Which hormone is known as the stress hormone due to its role in the body’s response to stress?
• A 75-year-old man with DM and HTN experiences acute monocular blindness that resolves after 1 hour. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• Which condition is characterized by elevated levels of cortisol in the blood?
• What term describes excessive urination commonly associated with diabetes?
• What is a common cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency?
• What is the best initial treatment for a hyperprolactinaemia diagnosed in a 42-year-old woman?
• A 45 year old lady presents with galactorrhea, decreased libido, amenorrhea, and high prolactin levels. What is the likely cause of her hyperprolactinemia?
• A 54-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain and dark pigmentation of skin. What is the most likely electrolyte abnormality expected?
• Which condition is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland?
• A 39 year old woman with hypertension and hypokalaemia is most likely to have which condition?
• What is the systemic effect of hyperthyroidism that can explain elevated heart rate and anxiety?
• For a 22-year-old footballer who collapsed, what is the most appropriate next step in management?
• A 39-year-old man with galactorrhea and a bitemporal hemianopia is most likely diagnosed with what?
• In patients with Addison’s disease, what changes might be observed in electrolyte levels?
• A 35-year-old man shows ECG signs of widening QRS complex and tall-tented T waves after a myocardial infarction. What is the most appropriate management?
• A 24-year-old with schizophrenia has experienced headaches and erectile dysfunction while on antipsychotic medication. Which drug is most likely responsible?
• What is the single most appropriate initial investigation for a 35-year-old man with type 1 diabetes and reduced conscious level?
• During an evaluation of a patient with confusion and blurred vision, what is the quickest way to assess their blood sugar level?
• What laboratory finding is often associated with insulinoma?
• What is the main function of glucagon in the body?
• What is the SINGLE most likely diagnosis for a woman with tiredness, cold intolerance, and a history of Addison's disease?
• Which hormone, produced by the pineal gland, is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms?
• What is the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development?
• What is the most likely reason for abdominal pain and severe vomiting in a 26 year old woman receiving steroid treatment for carcinoma?
• Which symptom is most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism?
• Which symptom is most likely in a patient experiencing Cushing's syndrome?
• Which of the following medications is most likely associated with sexual dysfunction when treated with antipsychotics?
• A patient with diabetes presents with pedal edema and sensory neuropathy. Urine analysis shows proteinuria. What condition does this most likely indicate?
• What syndrome is associated with excessive secretion of growth hormone in adults?
• A female patient with hypertension has a serum potassium level of 2.7mmol/l. Which hormone would you be looking for?
• What role does insulin play in carbohydrate metabolism?
• A man presenting with tremors, sweating, and postural hypotension is most likely to have which condition?
• What is the likely cause of hyperprolactinemia in a patient with high serum prolactin levels?
• Which clinical condition is characterized by a deficiency in the secretion of growth hormone during childhood?
• Which condition could cause low serum calcium and lead to symptoms of tingling and muscle spasms following thyroid surgery?
• What endocrine disorder is characterized by the presence of symptoms attributed to excessive production of growth hormone in children?
• What is the most appropriate investigation for a 60-year-old man with symptoms of thirst, urinary frequency, and weight loss?
• What plasma glucose level indicates impaired glucose tolerance two hours after glucose intake?
• Which investigation would be most useful for diagnosing hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient presenting with confusion and sweating?
• Which gland is known as the "master gland" of the endocrine system?
• A 33-year-old woman has symptoms of tiredness, constipation, and cold peripheries. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What effect does oxytocin have during childbirth?
• Which gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, and metabolism?
• What is the definitive treatment approach for a patient diagnosed with severe hypercalcemia?
• Which gland is responsible for producing adrenaline?
• Which hormones are secreted by the hypothalamus that directly affect the anterior pituitary?
• For a type 2 diabetes patient undergoing major surgery, what is the appropriate preoperative management regarding oral hypoglycaemics?
• A young man presents with diabetic ketoacidosis. What is the immediate management required?
• What is the most likely cause of hyperprolactinaemia in a patient showing symptoms of galactorrhoea, decreased libido, and amenorrhoea?
• What is the single best initial treatment for a patient with potassium levels of 5.8 mmol/L who is well without any allergies?
• A woman with visual problems and amenorrhea due to a pituitary tumor is most likely to present with which visual abnormality?
• What is the most appropriate investigation for a 75-year-old man with prostate cancer, confusion, and a shortened QT interval on ECG?
• What role does estrogen play in cardiovascular health?
• For a 32-year-old man with palpitations and tremulousness, what is the most likely underlying condition?
• What is a classic symptom of Graves' disease?
• A young girl with T1DM presents with drowsiness and deep breathing and a blood sugar level of 20. What is the next appropriate step in her management?
• What is the most common cause of secondary hypertension related to endocrinology?
• Which hormone primarily regulates water retention in the kidneys?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a woman exhibiting weight gain, irregular periods, and dry skin?
• What condition would be suggested by a history of prolonged neonatal jaundice and poor weight gain in an infant?
• Which condition is most likely for a man experiencing erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and galactorrhea?
• A man presents with bitemporal hemianopia and facial changes. What test is most definitive for confirming his diagnosis?
• What is the most likely treatment advised for thyrotoxicosis in a patient keen to become pregnant?
• In males, which hormone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics?
• A 46-year-old woman presents with weight gain, constipation, and sensitivity to cold. What is the most likely underlying mechanism for her condition?
• A 60 year old diabetic complains of pain in the thigh and gluteal region on exertion. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
• You suspect Cushing's disease in a 50-year-old woman who has glycosuria, hypertension, and a suggestive body habitus. Which finding would be against the diagnosis of Cushing's disease?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a clinically obese 12 year old boy with purple striae and a history of renal transplant?
• A 64 year old man with multiple myeloma having a serum calcium of 3.2 mmol/l should receive which treatment as the next step?
• What is the single most appropriate diagnosis for a 39-year-old man with unintentional weight loss, palpitations, sweating, diarrhea, and a visible neck lump?
• A 46-year-old woman is exhibiting symptoms like weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and a pulse of 50 bpm. What is the single most likely diagnosis?
• Which hormone is primarily involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle?
• A 56-year-old man with tingling around the mouth and twitching facial muscles likely has which biochemical finding?
• Which structure in the endocrine system regulates the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary?
• To prevent renal damage during contrast radiography in a patient with diabetes, what measure should be taken?
• What is the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in both males and females?
• What follow-up investigation is appropriate for an 8-year-old boy with resolved glycosuria after an injury?
• What is the primary clinical feature of pheochromocytoma?
• What hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress?
• What is a common contraindication for using biguanides in diabetic patients?