Drugs for Adrenal Disorders: Pharmacology and Clinical Applications

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of corticosteroids in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Substituting for deficient adrenal hormones

Answer

Directly stimulating the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Answer

Blocking the production of cortisol

Answer

Promoting the synthesis of aldosterone

Question 2

What is the main physiological effect of mineralocorticoids?

Accepted Answer

Potassium and water retention

Answer

Gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis

Answer

Bronchodilation and vasoconstriction

Answer

Immunosuppression and anti-inflammatory effects

Question 3

Which of the following is a known adverse effect associated with prolonged glucocorticoid therapy?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis and muscle weakness

Answer

Hyperglycemia and weight loss

Answer

Euphoria and hallucinations

Answer

Nephrotoxicity and renal failure

Question 4

Which of the following drugs is an example of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) used in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Oxandrolone (Oxandrin)

Answer

Testosterone cypionate

Answer

Prednisone (Deltasone)

Answer

Hydrocortisone (Cortef)

Question 5

What is the primary mechanism of action of aldosterone antagonists in the treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

Blocking aldosterone receptors

Answer

Inhibiting aldosterone synthesis

Answer

Stimulating aldosterone secretion

Answer

Promoting sodium reabsorption

Question 6

Which of the following is a common indication for the use of glucocorticoids in adrenal disorders?

Accepted Answer

Addison's disease

Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 7

When administering epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis, what is the primary consideration for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring the patient closely for adverse reactions

Answer

Educating the patient on proper storage of the medication

Answer

Assessing the patient's medical history for allergies

Answer

Ensuring the medication is stored in a refrigerator

Question 8

What is the primary mechanism by which corticosteroids exert their therapeutic effects?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis

Answer

Stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors

Answer

Blockade of histamine receptors

Answer

Enhancement of the immune response

Question 9

Which drug is a synthetic mineralocorticoid specifically used in the treatment of Addison's disease?

Accepted Answer

Fludrocortisone

Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Question 10

What is the role of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) in regulating adrenal function?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates the release of adrenal hormones

Answer

Inhibits the release of adrenal hormones

Answer

Acts as a feedback signal to the hypothalamus

Answer

Converts inactive precursors to active hormones

Question 11

Which condition is characterized by excessive production of the hormone cortisol?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Addison's disease

Answer

Conn's syndrome

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Question 12

Which drug is used to treat the condition known as Conn's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone

Answer

Triamterene

Answer

Furosemide

Answer

Hydrochlorothiazide

Question 13

What is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune disease

Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Hemorrhage

Answer

Cancer

Question 14

What is the primary goal of mineralocorticoid replacement therapy?

Accepted Answer

To correct electrolyte imbalances

Answer

To suppress the immune system

Answer

To reduce inflammation

Answer

To stimulate adrenal hormone production

Question 15

Which hormone is primarily produced by the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Aldosterone

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Thyroid hormone

Question 16

Which primary electrolyte imbalance is associated with hyperaldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Question 17

Identify the drug commonly used for treating pheochromocytoma.

Accepted Answer

Phenoxybenzamine

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Metoprolol

Answer

Nifedipine

Question 18

Which adrenal disorder is characterized by excessive cortisol production?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Addison's disease

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

Primary aldosteronism

Question 19

What is the primary function of the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Producing hormones involved in the stress response

Answer

Regulating blood pressure

Answer

Metabolizing carbohydrates

Answer

Storing excess calcium

Question 20

Which hormone is primarily secreted by the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Aldosterone

Question 21

Which drug used in Addison's disease is classified as a mineralocorticoid?

Accepted Answer

Fludrocortisone

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Dexamethasone

Question 22

What is the main pharmacological action of dexamethasone?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of ACTH release

Answer

Stimulation of aldosterone secretion

Answer

Replacement of cortisol

Answer

Enhancement of epinephrine synthesis

Question 23

Which condition is a contraindication to the use of albuterol?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 24

Which of the following drugs is a mineralocorticoid used primarily to treat Addison's disease?

Accepted Answer

Fludrocortisone

Answer

Cortisone

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Question 25

What is the primary mechanism of action of metyrapone?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits adrenal steroidogenesis

Answer

Stimulates ACTH release

Answer

Enhances adrenal sensitivity to ACTH

Answer

Blocks the effects of cortisol

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT an indication for desmopressin use in adrenal disorders?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

Central diabetes insipidus

Answer

Addison's disease

Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Question 27

Which is the recommended route of administration for epinephrine in the treatment of acute adrenal crisis?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Subcutaneous

Answer

Topical

Question 28

Which of the following drugs is a synthetic glucocorticoid with reduced risk of hyperglycemia?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Triamcinolone

Answer

Fludrocortisone

Question 29

Which of the following drugs is contraindicated in patients with a history of myasthenia gravis?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Fludrocortisone

Answer

Desmopressin

Question 30

The adrenal glands are primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Regulating the body's response to stress and metabolism

Answer

Producing enzymes involved in digestion

Answer

Filtering waste products from the blood

Answer

Storing glucose for energy

Question 31

Which of the following conditions is a contraindication for using mineralocorticoids?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Asthma

Question 32

Dexamethasone's mechanism of action involves:

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release

Answer

Stimulating aldosterone production

Answer

Increasing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys

Answer

Decreasing potassium excretion in the urine

Question 33

Which medication acts as an antagonist of mineralocorticoid receptors?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Prednisone

Question 34

The primary distinction between glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids primarily affect carbohydrate metabolism, while mineralocorticoids primarily affect electrolyte balance.

Answer

Mineralocorticoids primarily affect carbohydrate metabolism, while glucocorticoids primarily affect electrolyte balance.

Answer

Glucocorticoids are more potent than mineralocorticoids.

Answer

Mineralocorticoids are more potent than glucocorticoids.

Question 35

Describe the clinical significance of Cushing syndrome, focusing on its common manifestations and potential etiologies.

Accepted Answer

Typical physical manifestations of Cushing syndrome include moon face and buffalo hump.

Accepted Answer

Potential complications of Cushing syndrome include hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance.

Answer

Cushing syndrome is an uncommon condition with limited clinical implications.

Answer

Cushing syndrome exclusively arises from excessive cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands.

Question 36

Which of the following is a primary function of the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoid production

Answer

Insulin synthesis

Answer

Growth hormone production

Answer

Prolactin secretion

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT classified as a glucocorticoid?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Cortisol

Question 38

What is the primary mechanism of action of glucocorticoids on inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of phospholipase A2

Answer

Inhibition of protein synthesis

Answer

Enhancement of gluconeogenesis

Question 39

What is the main clinical application of glucocorticoids?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppression and anti-inflammatory therapy

Answer

Management of hypertension

Answer

Treatment of diabetes mellitus

Answer

Stimulation of weight gain

Question 40

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect associated with glucocorticoid therapy?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Addison's disease

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 41

What is Addison's disease primarily characterized by?

Accepted Answer

Primary adrenal insufficiency

Answer

Excessive growth hormone production

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Question 42

Which of the following is a typical symptom associated with Addison's disease?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss and fatigue

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Rapid heart rate

Answer

Polyuria

Question 43

What is the primary treatment for Addison's disease?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy

Answer

Insulin therapy

Answer

Growth hormone therapy

Answer

Thyroid hormone replacement

Question 44

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Excessive production of glucocorticoids

Answer

Excessive production of insulin

Answer

Excessive production of growth hormone

Answer

Deficiency of glucocorticoids

Question 45

Which of the following mechanisms of action underlies fludrocortisone's effects?

Accepted Answer

Mineralocorticoid receptor activation

Answer

Glucocorticoid receptor activation

Answer

Glucocorticoid synthesis inhibition

Answer

Androgen receptor activation

Question 46

Amongst the following adverse effects, which is commonly associated with glucocorticoid administration?

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia

Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 47

Metyrapone, a diagnostic tool, is primarily used to aid in the identification of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Addison's disease

Answer

Neuroblastoma

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Question 48

Which of the following drug interactions is a potential concern when administering ketoconazole?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes

Answer

Induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes

Answer

Reduced mineralocorticoid activity

Answer

Enhancement of glucocorticoid effects

Question 49

In the management of patients experiencing adrenal crisis, what is the primary therapeutic objective?

Accepted Answer

Restoration of intravascular volume and electrolyte balance

Answer

Relief of pain and discomfort

Answer

Suppression of systemic inflammation

Question 50

Which clinical manifestation is characteristic of Addison's disease?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpigmentation

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hyperglycemia

Question 51

For patients experiencing adrenal crisis, which route of administration is preferred for corticosteroids?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Subcutaneous

Answer

Oral

Question 52

Which potential complication is associated with long-term glucocorticoid therapy?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Pancytopenia

Answer

Nephrotic syndrome

Answer

Addison's disease

Question 53

Regarding the adrenal glands' role in the body's response to stress, which hormones do they primarily secrete?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine and cortisol

Answer

Prolactin and oxytocin

Answer

Insulin and glucagon

Answer

Aldosterone and renin