Endocrine System Practice Test 7
Endocrine System NCLEX Practice Test
Endocrine System is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Endocrine System. This section reviews hormonal regulation and nursing priorities in metabolic and endocrine disorders. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 7th part of the Endocrine System series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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Endocrine System Practice Test 7
The nervous system works together with which system to control body functions?
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Respiratory
- Excretory
Explanation: Answer reason: The nervous system and endocrine system are the two major regulatory systems that coordinate and control body functions. The nervous system provides rapid control via electrical impulses and neurotransmitters, while the endocrine system provides slower, longer-lasting regulation via hormones. Together they maintain homeostasis through feedback loops (e.g., hypothalamic-pituitary control of multiple glands). The other systems listed are regulated by these control systems but are not primary global controllers.
Parathyroid gland controls ...?
- Sugar level
- Calcium level
- Temperature
- Blood pressure
Explanation: Answer reason: The parathyroid glands regulate serum calcium primarily through secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption, increasing renal calcium reabsorption, and promoting activation of vitamin D to enhance intestinal calcium absorption. Therefore, the key variable controlled is calcium level, not glucose, temperature, or blood pressure.
Which of the following is a sign of hypoglycemia?
- Flushed skin
- High blood pressure
- Sweating and shakiness
- Constipation
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypoglycemia triggers a sympathetic (adrenergic) response, producing early warning symptoms such as sweating, tremor/shakiness, palpitations, and anxiety. These manifestations occur as the body releases catecholamines to raise blood glucose. Flushed skin is more consistent with hyperglycemia, and constipation is not a typical acute sign of low blood glucose. Therefore, sweating and shakiness best indicates hypoglycemia.
Raised BMI (≥25) is a major risk factor for?
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: A BMI ≥25 (overweight) is associated with increased insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, which significantly raises the risk for type 2 diabetes. Excess adiposity also contributes to hypertension through mechanisms such as increased sympathetic activity, sodium retention, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Together, these metabolic and hemodynamic effects increase atherosclerotic risk and thereby cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, all listed conditions are major risks with raised BMI.
What is the common cause of hyperglycemia?
- Diabetes mellitus
- Insulin hormone
- Glucagon hormone
- ACTH
Explanation: Answer reason: The most common cause of hyperglycemia is diabetes mellitus, due to absolute insulin deficiency (type 1) or insulin resistance with relative deficiency (type 2). In both cases, decreased effective insulin action reduces cellular glucose uptake and increases hepatic glucose production, raising blood glucose. Although hormones like glucagon and cortisol (stimulated by ACTH) can increase glucose, they are not the most common overall cause compared with diabetes.
The hormone regulating blood calcium is?
- Calcitonin
- Insulin
- Thyroxine
- Estrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Calcitonin, secreted by thyroid parafollicular (C) cells, helps regulate blood calcium by lowering serum calcium levels through inhibition of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Insulin primarily regulates blood glucose, thyroxine regulates metabolic rate, and estrogen has multiple reproductive and bone effects but is not the primary endocrine regulator of serum calcium. In basic physiology, the key calcium-regulating hormones are parathyroid hormone (raises calcium) and calcitonin (lowers calcium), and among the given options calcitonin is correct.
Which of the following cells in the pancreas make insulin?
- Germ cells
- Islet cells
- Epithelial cells
- Hepatic cells
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is produced by beta cells located within the pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans). These endocrine islet cells secrete insulin directly into the bloodstream to lower blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake and storage. Germ cells are reproductive cells, epithelial cells primarily line surfaces and ducts, and hepatic cells are liver cells (the liver does not synthesize insulin).
Which hormone regulates blood sugar levels?
- Insulin
- Thyroxine
- Adrenaline
- Glucagon
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is the primary hormone that lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake of glucose (especially in muscle and adipose) and stimulating glycogen synthesis in the liver. It is secreted by pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood sugar after meals. Glucagon counter-regulates by raising blood glucose, while thyroxine mainly affects basal metabolic rate and adrenaline acutely increases glucose during stress rather than being the main regulator. Therefore, insulin is the best single answer for regulation of blood sugar levels.
Which hormone is mainly responsible for maintaining pregnancy?
- LH
- FSH
- Progesterone
- Estrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Progesterone is the primary hormone that maintains pregnancy by stabilizing and thickening the endometrium and reducing uterine contractility, helping prevent expulsion of the embryo/fetus. In early pregnancy it is produced mainly by the corpus luteum (supported by hCG), and later the placenta becomes the major source. LH and FSH regulate ovulation and follicular development rather than ongoing pregnancy maintenance, while estrogen supports uterine growth but is not the main hormone preventing miscarriage.
Insulin Is Secreted From?
- Heart
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Kindeny
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is produced and secreted by the beta (β) cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. It is released in response to elevated blood glucose to promote cellular glucose uptake and storage as glycogen and fat. The heart, liver, and kidneys have important metabolic roles, but they are not the primary sites of insulin secretion.
The "Father of glands" is?
- Thyroid
- Pituitary
- Pancreas
- Adrenal
Explanation: Answer reason: The pituitary gland is called the "master gland" because its anterior pituitary hormones (e.g., TSH, ACTH, LH/FSH) regulate the activity of several other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. It integrates with the hypothalamus to coordinate endocrine responses throughout the body. While other glands have vital functions (thyroid metabolism, pancreas glucose regulation, adrenal stress hormones), they do not broadly control multiple endocrine organs in the same way.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Oxytocin
- FSH
Explanation: Answer reason: Progesterone is the key hormone that maintains pregnancy by preparing and sustaining the endometrium for implantation and supporting early gestation. It also decreases uterine contractility, helping prevent premature expulsion of the embryo/fetus. In early pregnancy it is produced mainly by the corpus luteum and later predominantly by the placenta. Estrogen supports uterine growth, oxytocin promotes labor, and FSH stimulates follicular development rather than maintaining pregnancy.
Which hormone maintains pregnancy in the early stages?
- Estrogen
- Oxytocin
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
Explanation: Answer reason: Progesterone is the primary hormone that maintains early pregnancy by preparing and stabilizing the endometrium for implantation and by decreasing uterine smooth muscle contractility. In the first trimester it is produced mainly by the corpus luteum (supported by hCG) until the placenta takes over production later. Estrogen supports uterine growth, oxytocin promotes uterine contractions during labor, and prolactin primarily stimulates milk production, so they are not the main hormone maintaining early pregnancy.
Which of the following is the "MASTER GLAND"..?
- Thymus gland
- Thyroid gland
- Pineal gland
- Pituitary gland
Explanation: Answer reason: The pituitary gland is commonly called the “master gland” because its anterior lobe secretes trophic hormones (e.g., TSH, ACTH, LH/FSH) that regulate other endocrine glands such as the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. It also releases hormones involved in growth and lactation (GH, prolactin). Although the hypothalamus controls pituitary function, the pituitary is classically identified as the master gland in basic endocrine teaching. The thymus, thyroid, and pineal glands do not centrally regulate multiple other endocrine glands in this way.
Insulin and glucagon are produced in the?
- Pancreas
- Hypothalamus
- Liver
- Anterior pituitary
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin and glucagon are endocrine hormones secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin to lower blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake and storage. Alpha cells produce glucagon to raise blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The hypothalamus, liver, and anterior pituitary regulate metabolism but do not produce both of these hormones.
Menopause in females occurs due to decreased levels of ____?
- Estrogen and Progesterone
- Testosterone
- FSH
- Insulin
Explanation: Answer reason: Menopause results from ovarian follicular depletion leading to reduced ovarian production of estradiol (estrogen) and progesterone. The drop in these hormones causes cessation of ovulation and endometrial cycling, leading to amenorrhea. In response to low estrogen/progesterone and loss of negative feedback, pituitary gonadotropins (especially FSH) rise rather than fall, making FSH an incorrect option.
The element stored in thyroid gland is–?
- Calcium
- Iodine
- Iron
- Zinc
Explanation: Answer reason: The thyroid gland actively concentrates iodine from the bloodstream via the sodium-iodide symporter and stores it in the follicular colloid. Iodine is incorporated into thyroglobulin to form the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Because this gland uniquely stores large amounts of iodinated colloid, iodine is the key stored element among the options.
Deficiency of insulin causes?
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Goitre
- Rickets
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin deficiency leads to impaired cellular uptake and utilization of glucose, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and the clinical syndrome of diabetes mellitus (classically type 1). Without adequate insulin, the body shifts to fat breakdown, increasing risk for ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis. The other options are related to different deficiencies: anemia (various causes), goitre (thyroid/iodine-related), and rickets (vitamin D/calcium-related).
During ovulation, the stigma ruptures under the influence of?
- Estrogen
- FSH
- LH surge
- Progesterone
Explanation: Answer reason: Ovulation (rupture of the follicular stigma and release of the oocyte) is triggered by the mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH surge induces enzymatic and inflammatory changes in the dominant follicle (e.g., prostaglandins and proteolytic enzymes) that weaken the follicular wall, leading to rupture. FSH primarily stimulates follicular growth, estrogen rises pre-ovulation and helps generate the LH surge via positive feedback, and progesterone rises after ovulation from the corpus luteum.
The pancreas is both?
- Endocrine and exocrine gland
- Only endocrine gland
- Only exocrine gland
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: The pancreas has dual functions: an endocrine role via the islets of Langerhans, which secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream, and an exocrine role via acinar cells, which secrete digestive enzymes into the pancreatic ducts and then the duodenum. Therefore it is correctly classified as both an endocrine and an exocrine gland. Options stating it is only one type are incomplete, and "None" is incorrect.
Lithium therapy affects which of the following hormones?
- Cortisone
- TSH
- FSH
- Oestrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Lithium commonly affects thyroid function and can cause hypothyroidism by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis and release. Reduced thyroid hormone (T3/T4) leads to compensatory increases in pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Therefore, among the listed hormones, TSH is the one most characteristically affected during lithium therapy. Monitoring TSH (and free T4) is standard during chronic lithium use.
Which hormone supports pregnancy and its deficiency may cause abortion?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: Progesterone maintains the endometrium and supports implantation and continuation of early pregnancy by reducing uterine contractility and promoting a stable uterine environment. Deficiency (e.g., inadequate corpus luteum function before placental takeover) can lead to failure to maintain the decidua and increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Estrogen supports uterine growth but is not the primary hormone required to maintain early pregnancy. Prolactin primarily supports lactation, and oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection rather than sustaining pregnancy.
Which hormone is called “blood pressure hormone”?
- Insulin
- Adrenaline
- Thyroxine
- Estrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal medulla increases blood pressure by increasing heart rate and myocardial contractility (beta-1 effects) and by causing peripheral vasoconstriction in many vascular beds (alpha-1 effects). This combination raises cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, producing a rapid rise in blood pressure during the fight-or-flight response. The other options have primary roles in glucose regulation (insulin), basal metabolic rate (thyroxine), or reproductive functions (estrogen) rather than acute blood pressure control.
A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Which medication would you prescribe as first-line treatment?
- Metformin
- Sulfonylurea
- Pioglitazone
- Insulin
Explanation: Answer reason: For most adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, metformin is the preferred first-line medication (along with lifestyle modification) because it lowers glucose by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis. It has a low risk of hypoglycemia and is generally weight-neutral or may cause modest weight loss compared with sulfonylureas or insulin. Sulfonylureas can cause hypoglycemia and weight gain, pioglitazone carries risks such as weight gain/edema, and insulin is typically reserved for marked hyperglycemia, catabolic symptoms, or failure of oral/GLP-1/SGLT2 therapy.
The most common symptom of diabetes mellitus is?
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Polyuria
- Bradycardia
Explanation: Answer reason: Polyuria is one of the classic and most common presenting symptoms of diabetes mellitus, resulting from osmotic diuresis when blood glucose exceeds the renal threshold and glucose spills into urine. Glucosuria pulls water into the urine, increasing urine volume and frequency. Weight loss and fatigue can occur, especially in uncontrolled diabetes, but are less consistently the most common initial symptom. Bradycardia is not a typical symptom of diabetes mellitus.
Which of the below glands is both exocrine and endocrine?
- Pancreas
- Thyroid
- Salivary
- Pineal
Explanation: Answer reason: The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. Its exocrine portion (acinar cells) secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum via ducts. Its endocrine portion (islets of Langerhans) releases hormones such as insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream. Thyroid and pineal are endocrine-only, while salivary glands are exocrine-only.
The hormone confirm pregnancy in urine-?
- LH
- FSH
- HCG
- Progesterone
Explanation: Answer reason: Urine pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by trophoblastic cells of the developing placenta shortly after implantation. hCG appears in blood and urine early in pregnancy and rises rapidly in the first trimester, making it the standard marker for pregnancy confirmation via urine testing. LH and FSH are pituitary gonadotropins involved in ovulation and follicular development, not pregnancy confirmation. Progesterone supports pregnancy but is not the primary analyte detected in routine urine pregnancy tests.
Classic symptoms of diabetes include all EXCEPT?
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Polyphagia
- Bradycardia
Explanation: Answer reason: The classic triad of hyperglycemia-related diabetes symptoms is polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia due to osmotic diuresis and cellular glucose deprivation. Polyuria results from glucose-induced osmotic diuresis, leading to dehydration and compensatory polydipsia. Polyphagia occurs because cells cannot effectively utilize glucose without adequate insulin action. Bradycardia is not a classic presenting symptom of diabetes mellitus and is more associated with cardiac conduction or autonomic issues rather than the initial hyperglycemic symptom cluster.
Which of the following is the first sign of hypoglycemia?
- Sweating
- Bradycardia
- Dry skin
- Vomiting
Explanation: Answer reason: Early hypoglycemia triggers a sympathetic (adrenergic) response with autonomic symptoms such as sweating, tremor, palpitations, and anxiety. These often occur before neuroglycopenic symptoms (confusion, seizures, coma) as glucose delivery to the brain becomes impaired. Bradycardia is not a typical early adrenergic sign (tachycardia is more common). Dry skin is more consistent with hyperglycemia/dehydration, and vomiting is not a classic first sign of hypoglycemia.
Which hormone stimulates Sertoli cells for spermatogenesis?
- LH
- FSH
- GnRH
- Prolactin
Explanation: Answer reason: FSH directly stimulates Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules to support spermatogenesis by promoting androgen-binding protein and nurturing developing sperm. In contrast, LH primarily acts on Leydig cells to stimulate testosterone production, which supports spermatogenesis indirectly. GnRH acts at the hypothalamus to trigger pituitary release of LH and FSH rather than acting on the testes. Prolactin is not the primary hormone driving Sertoli cell function in normal male reproductive physiology.
Which of the following hormones contains iodine?
- Testosterone
- Adrenaline
- Thyroxine
- Insulin
Explanation: Answer reason: Thyroxine (T4) is a thyroid hormone synthesized by iodination of tyrosine residues within thyroglobulin and contains four iodine atoms. The other options are not iodinated: testosterone is a steroid hormone, adrenaline (epinephrine) is a catecholamine, and insulin is a peptide hormone. Therefore, thyroxine is the hormone that contains iodine.
What part of the body produces insulin?
- Lungs
- Intestines
- Pancreas
- Liver
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is produced by beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Its primary role is to lower blood glucose by promoting cellular glucose uptake and storage (e.g., glycogen synthesis). The lungs and intestines do not produce insulin, and while the liver is a key target organ for insulin action, it does not synthesize insulin.
Cells which are most commonly affected due to Anterior Pituitary Damage are?
- Pancreatic islet cells
- Gastric parietal cells
- Principal cells of thyroid
- Pituicytes
Explanation: Answer reason: Damage to the anterior pituitary can reduce TSH secretion, leading to decreased stimulation of thyroid follicular (principal) cells. This results in secondary (central) hypothyroidism due to reduced thyroid hormone synthesis and release. The other listed cells are not primarily dependent on anterior pituitary trophic hormones in the same direct way (and pituicytes are posterior pituitary glial cells). Therefore, thyroid principal/follicular cells are most affected.
Which hormone increases heart rate?
- Insulin
- Thyroxine
- Cortisol
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: Thyroxine (T4) increases basal metabolic rate and upregulates beta-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in the heart, producing a positive chronotropic effect (increased heart rate). Clinically, hyperthyroidism commonly presents with tachycardia and palpitations due to elevated thyroid hormone levels. Insulin primarily regulates glucose metabolism, cortisol is a stress hormone with metabolic and permissive cardiovascular effects, and oxytocin mainly affects uterine contraction and milk letdown rather than directly increasing heart rate.
A symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis is?
- Weight gain
- Fruity breath odor
- Increased energy
- Decreased urination
Explanation: Answer reason: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes increased ketone production, including acetone, which produces a characteristic fruity breath odor. DKA also commonly presents with dehydration and Kussmaul respirations due to metabolic acidosis. The other options are inconsistent: DKA typically causes weight loss (not gain), fatigue (not increased energy), and polyuria early from osmotic diuresis rather than decreased urination (which may occur only late with severe dehydration).
The Pancreas Secrets?
- Insulin
- Vitamin A
- Bile juice
- None
Explanation: Answer reason: The pancreas has an endocrine function via the islets of Langerhans, which secrete hormones that regulate blood glucose. Beta cells specifically secrete insulin, which lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake and storage of glucose. Vitamin A is primarily obtained from diet and stored/metabolized mainly in the liver, not secreted by the pancreas. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, so it is not a pancreatic secretion.
The Adrenal Cortex works under the action of from anterior pituitary?
- ACTH
- TSH
- LH
- FSH
Explanation: Answer reason: The anterior pituitary hormone that directly stimulates the adrenal cortex is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH acts primarily on the zona fasciculata and reticularis to promote cortisol and adrenal androgen synthesis and secretion. TSH targets the thyroid gland, while LH and FSH target the gonads rather than the adrenal cortex.
Hormones are secreted by?
- Blood
- Muscles
- Glands
- Bones
Explanation: Answer reason: Hormones are chemical messengers produced and secreted by endocrine glands (e.g., pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas). These glands release hormones into the bloodstream to act on distant target organs and regulate body functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Blood serves as the transport medium, but it does not secrete hormones. Muscles and bones may produce signaling molecules in some contexts, but the best general answer for hormone secretion is glands.
In which organ is insulin produced?
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Kidney
- Lung
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is produced by the beta (β) cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is released in response to elevated blood glucose and promotes glucose uptake and storage (e.g., glycogenesis) in target tissues. The liver is a major target organ for insulin and participates in glucose metabolism but does not produce insulin; kidney and lung are not insulin-producing organs.
Which hormone stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone?
- LH
- FSH
- GnRH
- Estrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary binds LH receptors on Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating steroidogenesis and testosterone production. FSH primarily acts on Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis and to promote inhibin production. GnRH acts at the hypothalamic-pituitary level to trigger release of LH and FSH rather than directly stimulating Leydig cells. Estrogen is not the primary pituitary signal for testicular testosterone synthesis.
Love Hormone is?
- Thyroxine
- Melatonin
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: Oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “love” or “bonding” hormone because it promotes social attachment, trust, and pair bonding, and it is released with physical touch and intimacy. It also plays key physiologic roles in childbirth and lactation, supporting maternal-infant bonding. Thyroxine primarily regulates metabolism, and melatonin mainly regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Pituitary gland is situated in?
- Brain
- Neck
- Kidney
Explanation: Answer reason: The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone, connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. Because it is intracranial and sits within a bony depression, it is not found in the neck or kidney. This location is key to its central role in regulating other endocrine glands via hypothalamic control.
Which hormone plays a major role in sexual desire (libido) in both men and women?
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
Explanation: Answer reason: Testosterone is the primary androgen driving libido and sexual motivation in both sexes, even though absolute levels are much higher in men. In women, ovarian and adrenal androgens (including testosterone) correlate with sexual desire and arousal, and low androgen states can reduce libido. Estrogen more strongly supports vaginal lubrication and comfort, while progesterone is not a primary libido hormone. Prolactin tends to suppress gonadotropin release and can decrease libido when elevated (e.g., hyperprolactinemia).
Which of the following hormones is often called the ‘love hormone’?
- Oxytocin
- Serotonin
- Testosterone
- Oestrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “love hormone” because it is strongly associated with social bonding, trust, and attachment behaviors. It is released during intimate touch, orgasm, childbirth, and breastfeeding, supporting maternal-infant bonding and pair bonding. Serotonin is more associated with mood regulation, while testosterone and oestrogen are primary sex hormones not specifically labeled the “love hormone.”.
Blood Pressure is controlled by which gland?
- Thyroid
- Adrenal
- Pituitary
- Thymus
Explanation: Answer reason: The adrenal glands regulate blood pressure primarily through adrenal cortex secretion of aldosterone, which increases sodium and water reabsorption and raises intravascular volume. They also influence blood pressure via catecholamines (epinephrine/norepinephrine) from the adrenal medulla, which increase heart rate and vasoconstriction. Thyroid hormones can affect cardiac output but are not the main gland controlling blood pressure. Pituitary and thymus are not primary controllers of systemic blood pressure compared with adrenal hormonal regulation.
The hormone that triggers ovulation is called ____?
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- Progesterone
- Estrogen
Explanation: Answer reason: Ovulation is triggered by the mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) released from the anterior pituitary in response to sustained high estradiol levels. This LH surge causes the dominant follicle to rupture and release the oocyte. FSH primarily supports follicular growth, while progesterone rises after ovulation from the corpus luteum and estrogen mainly drives endometrial proliferation and helps set up the LH surge.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is more common in?
- Type 1 DM
- Type 2 DM
- Gestational diabetes
- Pre-diabetes
Explanation: Answer reason: DKA is most common in type 1 diabetes because absolute insulin deficiency leads to uninhibited lipolysis and hepatic ketone production, causing metabolic acidosis. In type 2 diabetes, some endogenous insulin typically suppresses ketogenesis, making DKA less common (hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state is more typical). While DKA can occur in type 2 diabetes under severe stress (e.g., infection) or with SGLT2 inhibitors, it is classically associated with type 1 DM. Gestational diabetes and pre-diabetes rarely progress to DKA unless previously unrecognized type 1 diabetes is present.
Paraneoplastic syndrome commonly seen in small cell lung cancer is?
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cushing's syndrome
- Hyperglycemia
- Acromegaly
Explanation: Answer reason: Small cell lung cancer commonly causes paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes due to ectopic hormone production. A classic association is ectopic ACTH secretion leading to Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism). Other well-known SCLC paraneoplastic syndromes include SIADH and Lambert-Eaton, but among the listed options, Cushing's syndrome is the best match.
The hormone responsible for milk production is?
- Oxytocin
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
Explanation: Answer reason: Prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is the primary hormone that stimulates milk synthesis in the mammary alveolar cells. Oxytocin is responsible for milk ejection (let-down) by causing myoepithelial cell contraction, not production. Estrogen and progesterone promote breast development during pregnancy and, at high levels, inhibit active milk secretion until after delivery. Therefore, prolactin is the single best answer for milk production.
Which test detects ovarian failure earliest?
- Estradiol
- FSH
- AMH
- LH
Explanation: Answer reason: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) reflects the remaining ovarian follicle pool (ovarian reserve) and typically declines earlier than changes in gonadotropins or estradiol. In early ovarian failure/diminished reserve, estradiol can remain normal and FSH may still be within range due to cycle-to-cycle variability. FSH and LH usually rise later as negative feedback from ovarian hormones decreases. Therefore, AMH is the earliest and most sensitive among the listed tests for detecting early ovarian failure.
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