A 50-year-old male patient presents with facial rounding, central obesity, and purple striae on the abdomen. Laboratory results show high levels of ACTH. What is the most likely underlying cause of his condition?
Adrenal insufficiency.
Pheochromocytoma.
Cushing Disease.
Hyperthyroidism.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Symptoms typically include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. High levels of ACTH are not associated with adrenal insufficiency; instead, ACTH levels are usually elevated in response to low cortisol levels.
Choice B Reason:
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that produces excess catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, palpitations, and headaches. It does not cause high levels of ACTH or the physical manifestations described in the patient, such as facial rounding and purple striae.
Choice C Reason:
Cushing Disease is caused by a pituitary adenoma that secretes excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leading to overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This results in symptoms such as facial rounding (moon face), central obesity, purple striae on the abdomen, and high levels of ACTH. These clinical features align with the patient’s presentation, making Cushing Disease the most likely underlying cause.
Choice D Reason:
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, palpitations, and tremors. It does not cause high levels of ACTH or the specific physical changes seen in Cushing Disease.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a renal insensitivity to ADH. Patients with DI typically present with hypernatremia (high serum sodium) and low urine osmolality, which contrasts with the findings of low serum sodium and high urine osmolality in this patient.
Choice B Reason:
Adrenal insufficiency can cause hyponatremia and hyperkalemia due to a deficiency in aldosterone and cortisol. However, it usually presents with low serum osmolality and low urine sodium, which does not align with the patient’s laboratory results of high urine osmolality and elevated urine sodium.
Choice C Reason:
Hyperaldosteronism leads to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, resulting in hypernatremia and hypokalemia. This condition does not match the patient’s findings of hyponatremia and high urine osmolality.
Choice D Reason:
Syndrome of inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is characterized by excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention, hyponatremia, and concentrated urine. The patient’s laboratory results of low serum sodium, low serum osmolality, high urine osmolality, and elevated urine sodium are consistent with SIADH. This condition causes the kidneys to reabsorb water, diluting the blood and concentrating the urine.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering diuretics to increase urine output is not appropriate in this scenario. Diuretics would exacerbate dehydration and further increase serum sodium levels by promoting additional water loss. This approach would worsen the patient’s condition rather than improve it.
Choice B Reason:
Administering desmopressin is a suitable intervention for this patient. Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and is used to treat conditions like diabetes insipidus, which can cause symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and dehydration. Desmopressin helps to reduce urine output and correct the imbalance of fluids and electrolytes.
Choice C Reason:
Administering intravenous hypotonic saline is appropriate for managing high serum sodium levels and dehydration. Hypotonic saline helps to lower serum sodium levels by diluting the blood and rehydrating the patient. This intervention addresses both the dehydration and the electrolyte imbalance effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Restricting fluid intake to reduce urine output is not appropriate in this case. Fluid restriction would worsen dehydration and could lead to further complications. The patient needs adequate fluid replacement to correct the dehydration and normalize serum sodium levels.
Choice E Reason:
Administering hypertonic saline is not suitable for this patient. Hypertonic saline would increase serum sodium levels further, exacerbating the hypernatremia. This intervention would be counterproductive and could lead to severe complications.
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