All Questions Pt.2 Flashcards
SITUATION: A blood sample in a red-stoppered tube is delivered to the laboratory for electrolytes, calcium, and phosphorus. The tube is approximately half full and is accompanied by a purple stoppered tube for a complete blood count that is approximately three-quarters full. The chemistry results are as follows:
Na K Cl HCO3 Ca InP
135 mmol/L 11.2 mmol/L 103 mmol/L 14 mmol/L 2.6 mg/dL 3.8 mg/dL
What is the most likely explanation of these serum calcium results?
A. Severe hemolysis during sample collection
B. Laboratory error in the calcium measurement
C. The wrong order of draw was used for vacuum tube collection
D. Some anticoagulated blood was added to the red-stoppered tube
D. Some anticoagulated blood was added to the red-stoppered tube
SITUATION: A patient previously diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism and started on thyroxine replacement therapy is seen for follow-up testing after 2 weeks. Te serum-free T4 is normal but the TSH is still elevated. What is the most likely explanation for these results?
A. Laboratory error in measurement of free T4
B. Laboratory error in measurement of TSH
C. In vitro drug interference with the free T4 assay
D. Results are consistent with a euthyroid patient in the early phase of therapy
D. Results are consistent with a euthyroid patient in the early phase of therapy
SITUATION: A 6-year-old child being treated with phenytoin was recently placed on valproic acid for better control of seizures. After displaying signs of phenytoin toxicity including ataxia, a stat phenytoin is determined to be 15.0 mg/L (reference range 10 20 mg/L). A peak blood level drawn 5 hours after the last dose is 18.0 mg/L. The valproic acid measured at the same time is within therapeutic limits. Quality control is within acceptable limits for all tests, but the physician questions the accuracy of the results. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Repeat the valproic acid level using the last specimen
B. Repeat the phenytoin on both trough and peak samples using a different method
C. Recommend measurement of free phenytoin using the last specimen
D. Recommend a second trough level be measured
C. Recommend measurement of free phenytoin using the last specimen
Na K Cl HCO3 BUN Glucose Creatinine Uric Acid
140 mmol/L 3.6 mmol/L 100 mmol/L 28 mmol/L 130 mg/dL 110 mg/dL 1.2 mg/dL 4.8 mg/dL
148 mmol/L 4.2 mmol/L 110 mmol/L 24 mmol/L 135 mg/dL 86 mg/dL 0.8 mg/dL 3.9 mg/dL
138 mmol/L 4.0 mmol/L 105 mmol/L 22 mmol/L 142 mg/dL 190 mg/dL 1.0 mg/dL 4.6 mg/dL
The results shown in the table above are obtained from three consecutive serum samples using an automated random access analyzer that samples directly from a bar-coded tube. Calibration and QC performed at the start of the shift are within the acceptable range, and no error codes are reported by the analyzer for any tests on the three samples. Upon results verification, what is the most appropriate course of action?
A. Report the results and proceed with other tests since no analytical problems are noted
B. Repeat the controls before continuing with further testing, but report the results
C. Check sample identification prio
D. Do not report BUN results for these patients or continue BUN testing
D. Do not report BUN results for these patients or continue BUN testing
An AFP measured on a 30-year-old pregnant woman at approximately 12 weeks gestation is 2.5 multiples of the median (MOM). What course of action is most appropriate?
A. Repeat the serum AFP in 2 weeks
B. Recommend AFP assay on amniotic fluid
C. Repeat the AFP using the same sample by another method
D. Repeat the AFP using the sample by the same method
A. Repeat the serum AFP in 2 weeks
AST ALT ALP LD CK GGT TP ALB TBIL GLU TG CA InP BUN
U/L U/L U/L U/L U/L U/L g/dL g/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL mg/dL
Day 1 20 15 40 100 15 40 8.2 3.6 0.8 84 140 8.7 4.2 16
Day 2 22 14 65 90 20 36 8.3 3.8 1.0 128 190 8.8 5.2 26
SITUATION: Biochemistry tests are performed 24 hours apart on a patient and delta-check flag is reported for inorganic phosphorus by the laboratory information system. Given the results shown in the table above, identify the most likely cause.
A. Results suggest altered metabolic status caused by poor insulin control
B. The patient was not fasting when the sample was collected on day 2
C. The samples were drawn from two different patients
D. The delta-check limit is invalid when samples are collected 24 or more hours apart
B. The patient was not fasting when the sample was collected on day 2
A quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay for intact serum hCG was performed on week 4 and the result was 40,000 mIU/mL (reference range 10,000-80,000 mIU/mL). The physician suspected a molar pregnancy and requested that the laboratory repeat the test checking for the hook effect. Which process would identify this problem?
A. Obtain a new plasma specimen and heat inactivate before testing
B. Obtain a urine specimen and perform the assay
C. Perform a qualitative pregnancy test
D. Perform a serial dilution of the sample and repeat the test
D. Perform a serial dilution of the sample and repeat the test
A patient presents to the emergency department with symptoms of intoxication including impaired speech and movement. Te plasma osmolality was measured and found to be 330 mOs/kg. Te osmolal gap was 40 mOsm/Kg. A blood alcohol was measured by the alcohol dehydrogenase method and found to be 0.15% w/v (150 mg/dL). Electrolyte results showed an increased anion gap. Ethylene glycol intoxication was suspected because the osmolal gap was greater than could be explained by ethanol alone, but gas chromatography was not available. Which of the following would be abnormal if this suspicion proved correct?
A. Arterial blood gases
B. Lactic acid
C. Urinary ketones
D. Glucose
A. Arterial blood gases
Given the serum protein electrophoresis pattern shown, which transaminase results would you expect?
A. Within normal limits for both
B. Marked elevation of both (20-50-fold normal)
C. Mild elevations of both (2-5-fold normal)
D. Marked elevation of AST but normal AL
C. Mild elevations of both (2-5-fold normal)
Serial TnI assays are ordered on a patient at admission, 3 hours, and 6 hours afterwards. The samples were collected in heparinized plasma separator tubes. Following are the results (reference range 0 0.03 µg/L
Admission = 3 hours = 6 hours =
0.03 µg/L 0.07 µg/L 0.02 µg/
These results indicate:
A. A positive test for acute myocardial infarction
B. Unstable angina
C. Cardiac injury of severity less than myocardial infarction
D. Random error with the 3-hour sample
D. Random error with the 3-hour sample
In which of the following cases is qualitative analysis of the drug usually adequate?
A. To determine whether the dose of a drug with a low therapeutic index is likely to be toxic
B. To determine whether a patient is complying with the physician’s instructions
C. To adjust dose if individual differences or disease alter expected response
D. To determine whether the patient has been taking amphetamines
D. To determine whether the patient has been taking amphetamines
The term pharmacokinetics refers to the:
A. Relationship between drug dose and the drug blood level
B. Concentration of drug at its sites of action
C. Relationship between blood concentration and therapeutic response
D. The relationship between blood and tissue drug levels
A. Relationship between drug dose and the drug blood level
The term pharmacodynamics is an expression of the relationship between:
A. Dose and physiological effect
B. Drug concentration at target sites and physiological effect
C. Time and serum drug concentration
D. Blood and tissue drug levels
B. Drug concentration at target sites and physiological effect
The study of pharmacogenomics involves which type of testing?
A. Family studies to determine the inheritance of drug resistance
B. Testing drugs with cell cultures to determine the minimum toxic dosage
C. Testing for single nucleotide polymorphisms known to affect drug metabolism
D. Comparison of dose-response curves between family members
C. Testing for single nucleotide polymorphisms known to affect drug metabolism
Select the five pharmacological parameters that determine serum drug concentration.
A. Absorption, anabolism, perfusion, bioactivation, excretion
B. Liberation, equilibration, biotransformation, reabsorption, elimination
C. Liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
D. Ingestion, conjugation, integration, metabolism, elimination
C. Liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
Which route of administration is associated with 100% bioavailability?
A. Sublingual
B. Intramuscular
C. Oral
D. Intravenous
D. Intravenous
The phrase “first-pass hepatic metabolism” means that:
A. One hundred percent of a drug is excreted by the liver
B. All drug is inactivated by hepatic enzymes after one pass through the liver
C. Some drug is metabolized from the portal circulation, reducing bioavailability
D. The drug must be metabolized in the liver to an active form
C. Some drug is metabolized from the portal circulation, reducing bioavailability
Which formula can be used to estimate dosage needed to give a desired steady-state blood level?
A. Dose per hour = clearance (milligrams per hour) × average concentration at steady state ÷ f
B. Dose per day = fraction absorbed - fraction excreted
C. Dose = fraction absorbed × (1/protein-bound fraction)
D. Dose per day = half-life × log Vd (volume distribution)
A. Dose per hour = clearance (milligrams per hour) × average concentration at steady state ÷ f
Which statement is true regarding the volume distribution (Vd) of a drug?
A. Vd is equal to the peak blood concentration divided by the dose given
B. Vd is the theoretical volume in liters into which the drug distributes
C. The higher the Vd, the lower the dose needed to reach the desired blood level of drug
D. The Vd is the principal determinant of the dosing interval
B. Vd is the theoretical volume in liters into which the drug distributes
For drugs with first-order elimination, which statement about drug clearance is true?
A. Clearance = elimination rate ÷ serum level
B. It is most often performed by the liver
C. It is directly related to half-life
D. Clearance rate is independent of dose
A. Clearance = elimination rate ÷ serum level
Which statement about steady-state drug levels is true?
A. The absorbed drug must be greater than the amount excreted
B. Steady state can be measured after two elimination half-lives
C. Constant intravenous infusion will give the same minima and maxima as an oral dose
D. Oral dosing intervals give peaks and troughs in the dose-response curve
D. Oral dosing intervals give peaks and troughs in the dose-response curve
If too small a peak-trough difference is seen for a drug given orally, then:
A. The dose should be decreased
B. Time between doses should be decreased
C. Dose interval should be increased
D. Dose per day and time between doses should be decreased
C. Dose interval should be increased
If the peak level is appropriate but the trough level too low at steady state, then the dose interval should:
A. Be lengthened without changing the dose per day
B. Be lengthened and dose rate decreased
C. Not be changed, but dose per day increased
D. Be shortened, but dose per day not changed
D. Be shortened, but dose per day not changed
When should blood samples for trough drug levels be collected?
A. 30 minutes after peak levels
B. 45 minutes before the next dose
C. 1-2 hours after the last dose
D. Immediately before the next dose is given
D. Immediately before the next dose is given
If the steady-state drug level is too high, the best course of action is to:
A. Decrease the dose
B. Decrease the dose interval
C. Decrease the dose and decrease the dose interval
D. Change the route of administration
A. Decrease the dose
Blood sample collection time for peak drug levels:
A. Varies with the drug, depending on its rate of absorption
B. Is independent of drug formulation
C. Is independent of the route of administration
D. Is 30 minutes after a bolus intravenous injection is completed
A. Varies with the drug, depending on its rate of absorption
Which could account for drug toxicity following a normally prescribed dose?
A. Decreased renal clearance caused by kidney disease
B. Discontinuance or administration of another drug
C. Altered serum protein binding caused by disease
D. All of these options
D. All of these options
Select the elimination model that best describes most oral drugs.
A. One compartment, linear first-order elimination
B. Michaelis-Menton or concentration-dependent elimination
C. Two compartment with a biphasic elimination curve
D. Logarithmic elimination
A. One compartment, linear first-order elimination
Drugs rapidly infused intravenously usually follow which elimination model?
A. One compartment, first order
B. One compartment, logarithmic
C. Biphasic or two compartment with serum level rapidly falling in the first phase
D. Michaelis-Menton or concentration-dependent elimination
C. Biphasic or two compartment with serum level rapidly falling in the first phase
Which fact must be considered when evaluating a patient who displays signs of drug toxicity?
A. Drug metabolites (e.g., N-acetylprocainamide) may need to be measured as well as parent drug
B. If the concentration of total drug is within therapeutic limits, the concentration of free drug cannot be toxic
C. If the drug has a wide therapeutic index, then it will not be toxic
D. A drug level cannot be toxic if the trough is within the published therapeutic range
A. Drug metabolites (e.g., N-acetylprocainamide) may need to be measured as well as parent drug
When a therapeutic drug is suspected of causing toxicity, which specimen is the most appropriate for an initial investigation?
A. Trough blood sample
B. Peak blood sample
C. Urine at the time of symptoms
D. Gastric fluid at the time of symptoms
B. Peak blood sample
For which drug group are both peak and trough measurements usually required?
A. Antiarrhythmics
B. Analgesics
C. Tricyclic antidepressants
D. Aminoglycoside antibiotics
D. Aminoglycoside antibiotics
For a drug that follows first-order pharmacokinetics, adjustment of dosage to achieve the desired blood level can be made using which formula?
A. New dose = current dose /concentration at steady state × (desired concentration)
B. New dose = current dose/desired concentration × (concentration at steady state)
C. New dose = concentration at steady state/ desired concentration × (half-life)
D. New dose = concentration at steady state/ current dose × (desired concentration)
A. New dose = current dose /concentration at steady state × (desired concentration)
Which of the following statements about TLC for drug screening is true?
A. Acidic drugs are extracted in an alkaline nonpolar solvent
B. A drug is identified by comparing its Rf value and staining to standards
C. Testing must be performed using a urine sample
D. Opiates and other alkaloids are extracted at an acid pH
B. A drug is identified by comparing its Rf value and staining to standards
The EMIT for drugs of abuse uses an:
A. Antibody conjugated to a drug
B. Enzyme conjugated to an antibody
C. Enzyme conjugated to a drug
D. Antibody bound to a solid phase
C. Enzyme conjugated to a drug
Which statement about EMIT is true?
A. Enzyme activity is inversely proportional to drug level
B. Formation of NADH is monitored at 340 nm
C. ALP is the commonly used conjugate
D. Assay use is restricted to serum
B. Formation of NADH is monitored at 340 nm
Which statement regarding cloned enzyme donor immunoassay (CEDIA) is true?
A. The enzyme used is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
B. The enzyme donor and acceptor molecules are fragments of β-galactosidase
C. Drug concentration is inversely related to fluorescence
D. The antibody is covalently linked to the enzyme donor
B. The enzyme donor and acceptor molecules are fragments of β-galactosidase
Which statement is true regarding particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay methods for therapeutic drugs?
A. Drug concentration is proportional to light scatter
B. Magnetic separation is needed to remove unbound conjugate
C. When particle-bound drug binds to antibody, light scattering is increased
D. Two antibodies to the drug are needed
C. When particle-bound drug binds to antibody, light scattering is increased
Quantitation of a drug by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) is usually performed in which mode?
A. Total ion chromatography
B. Selective ion monitoring
C. Ion subtraction
D. Selective reaction monitoring
B. Selective ion monitoring
Which substance has the longest detection time?
A. Amphetamines
B. Cocaine
C. Benzodiazepines
D. Marijuana
D. Marijuana
SITUATION: A urine sample is received in the laboratory with the appropriate custody control form, and a request for drug of abuse screening. Which test result would be cause for rejecting the sample?
A. Temperature after collection 95°F
B. pH 5.0
C. Specific gravity 1.005
D. Creatinine 5 mg/dL
D. Creatinine 5 mg/dL
Which statement about the measurement of carboxyhemoglobin is true?
A. Treatment with alkaline dithionite is used to convert carboxyhemoglobin to oxyhemoglobin
B. Oxyhemoglobin has no absorbance at 540 nm, but carboxyhemoglobin does
C. Bichromatic analysis is required in order to eliminate interference by oxyhemoglobin
D. Carboxyhemoglobin can be measured by potentiometry
C. Bichromatic analysis is required in order to eliminate interference by oxyhemoglobin
Which of the following statements about blood alcohol measurement is correct?
A. Symptoms of intoxication usually begin when the level exceeds 0.05% w/v
B. The skin puncture site should be disinfected with isopropanol
C. The reference method is based upon enzymatic oxidation of ethanol by alcohol dehydrogenase
D. Gas chromatography methods require extraction of ethanol from serum
A. Symptoms of intoxication usually begin when the level exceeds 0.05% w/v
Which specimen is the sample of choice for lead screening?
A. Whole blood
B. Hair
C. Serum
D. Urine
A. Whole blood
Which of the following enzymes can be used to measure plasma or serum salicylate?
A. Peroxidase
B. Salicylate esterase
C. Salicylate hydroxylase
D. p-Aminosalicylate oxidase
C. Salicylate hydroxylase
Which of the following tests is least essential to the operation of an emergency department at a general hospital?
A. Carboxyhemoglobin
B. Osmolality
C. Salicylate
D. Lead
D. Lead
Which of the following trace elements is considered an essential micronutrient?
A. Thallium
B. Aluminum
C. Mercury
D. Selenium
D. Selenium
When measuring trace metals in blood other than lead, what type of tube should be used?
A. Navy blue top
B. Green top
C. Purple top
D. Red top
A. Navy blue top
Which whole-blood level is suggestive of excessive exposure to lead in children but not adults?
A. 4 µg/dL
B. 14 µg/dL
C. 28 µg/dL
D. 32 µg/dL
B. 14 µg/dL
What are the likely laboratory findings in a person suspected of having Wilson’s disease?
A. Blood copper and ceruloplasmin low, urinary copper excretion high
B. Blood and urine copper concentration high, ceruloplasmin low
C. Blood and urine copper concentration high, ceruloplasmin high
D. Blood and urine copper concentration low, ceruloplasmin low
A. Blood copper and ceruloplasmin low, urinary copper excretion high
Which test is used to distinguish Cushing’s disease (pituitary Cushing’s) from Cushing’s syndrome caused by adrenal tumors?
A. Low-dose overnight dexamethasone suppression
B. Petrosal sinus sampling
C. Serum ACTH
D. Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol
C. Serum ACTH
In which situation is the plasma or 24-hour urinary cortisol not consistent with the clinical picture?
A. In pregnant patients
B. In patients with a positive overnight dexamethasone suppression test
C. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia
D. In Cushing’s syndrome caused by ectopic ACTH producing tumors
C. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Which is the most widely used screening test for Cushing’s syndrome?
A. Overnight low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
B. Corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test
C. Petrosal sinus sampling
D. Metyrapone stimulation test
A. Overnight low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
Which of the following statements about the diagnosis of Addison’s disease is true?
A. Patients with primary Addison’s disease show a normal response to ACTH stimulation
B. Primary and secondary Addison’s disease can often be differentiated by plasma ACTH
C. Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol is normal in Addison’s disease
D. Pituitary ACTH reserves are normal in secondary Addison’s disease
B. Primary and secondary Addison’s disease can often be differentiated by plasma ACTH
Which test is the most specific for establishing a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease (pituitary
Cushing’s)?
A. Low-dose dexamethasone suppression
B. High-dose dexamethasone suppression
C. Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol
D. Petrosal sinus sampling following corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation
D. Petrosal sinus sampling following corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation
Which of the following statements regarding the catecholamines is true?
A. They are derived from tryptophan
B. They are produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex
C. Plasma levels show both diurnal and pulsed variation
D. They are excreted in urine primarily as free catecholamines
C. Plasma levels show both diurnal and pulsed variation
Which assay using 24-hour urine is considered the best single screening test for pheochromocytoma?
A. Total urinary catecholamines
B. VMA
C. Homovanillic acid (HVA)
D. Metanephrines
D. Metanephrines
Which statement regarding the measurement of urinary catecholamines is true?
A. An increased excretion of total urinary catecholamines is specific for pheochromocytoma
B. Twenty-four-hour urinary catecholamine assay avoids pulse variations associated with measurement of plasma catecholamines
C. Total urinary catecholamine measurement provides greater specificity than measurement of urinary free catecholamines
D. Total urinary catecholamines are not affected by exercise
B. Twenty-four-hour urinary catecholamine assay avoids pulse variations associated with measurement of plasma catecholamines
Which metabolite is most often increased in carcinoid tumors of the intestine?
A. 5-Hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA)
B. 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG)
C. 3-Methoxydopamine
D. HVA
A. 5-Hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA)
Which statement about sample collection for catecholamines and metabolites is true?
A. Blood for catecholamines is collected in the usual manner following a 12-hour fast
B. Twenty-four-hour urine for vanillylmandelic acid, catecholamines, or metanephrines is collected in 1 mL of boric acid
C. Twenty-four-hour urine creatinine should be measured with vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, or metanephrines
D. There is no need to discontinue medications if a 24-hour urine collection is used
C. Twenty-four-hour urine creatinine should be measured with vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, or metanephrines
Which method is most often used to measure fractionated catecholamines (epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and dopamine)?
A. Measurement of fluorescence following oxidation by potassium ferricyanide
B. Measurement by HPLC with electrochemical detection
C. Measure of radioactivity after conversion by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) to tritiated metanephrines
D. Measurement by HPLC with fluorescence detection
B. Measurement by HPLC with electrochemical detection
Which of the following statements applies to both measurement of VMA and metanephrines in urine?
A. Both can be oxidized to vanillin and measured at 360 nm without interference from dietary compounds
B. Both can be measured immunochemically after hydrolysis and derivatization
C. Both require acid hydrolysis prior to measurement
D. Both can be measured by specific HPLC and MS assays
D. Both can be measured by specific HPLC and MS assays
Urinary HVA is most often assayed to detect:
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Neuroblastoma
C. Adrenal medullary carcinoma
D. Psychiatric disorders such as manic depression
B. Neuroblastoma
Which of the following statements regarding thyroid hormones is true?
A. Both protein-bound and free T3 and T4 are physiologically active
B. Total T3 and T4 are influenced by the level of thyroxine-binding globulin
C. Variation in thyroxine-binding protein levels affects both free T3 and T4
D. An elevated serum total T4 and T3 is diagnostic of hyperthyroidism
B. Total T3 and T4 are influenced by the level of thyroxine-binding globulin
Thyroid hormones are derived from the amino acid:
A. Phenylalanine
B. Methionine
C. Tyrosine
D. Histidine
C. Tyrosine
Which of the following conditions will increase total T4 by increasing TBG?
A. Acute illness
B. Anabolic steroid use
C. Nephrotic syndrome
D. Pregnancy or estrogens
D. Pregnancy or estrogens
Which statement regarding thyroid hormones is true?
A. Circulating levels of T3 and T4 are about equal
B. T3 is about 10-fold more active than T4
C. The rate of formation of monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine is about equal
D. Most of the T3 present in plasma is from its direct release from thyroid storage sites
B. T3 is about 10-fold more active than T4
Select the most appropriate single screening test for thyroid disease.
A. Free thyroxine index
B. Total T3 assay
C. Total T4
D. TSH assay
D. TSH assay
The serum TSH level is almost absent in:
A. Primary hyperthyroidism
B. Primary hypothyroidism
C. Secondary hyperthyroidism
D. Euthyroid sick syndrome
A. Primary hyperthyroidism
Which assay is used to confirm difficult cases of hypothyroidism?
A. Free T3 assay
B. Free thyroxine index
C. Tyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test
D. TBG assay
C. Tyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test
A patient has an elevated serum T3 and free T4 and undetectable TSH. What is the most likely cause of these results?
A. Primary hyperthyroidism
B. Secondary hyperthyroidism
C. Euthyroid with increased thyroxine-binding proteins
D. Euthyroid sick syndrome
A. Primary hyperthyroidism
Which of the following statements is true regarding reverse T3 (rT3)?
A. Formed in the blood by degradation of T4
B. Physiologically active, but less than T3
C. Decreased in euthyroid sick syndrome
D. Interferes with the measurement of serum T3
A. Formed in the blood by degradation of T4
A serum thyroid panel reveals an increase in total T4, normal TSH, and normal free T4. What is the most likely cause of these results?
A. Primary hyperthyroidism
B. Secondary hyperthyroidism
C. Euthyroid with increased thyroxine-binding protein
D. Subclinical hypothyroidism
C. Euthyroid with increased thyroxine-binding protein
Which statement about TSH and T4 in early pregnancy is correct?
A. TSH and thyroid hormones fall
B. TSH falls and thyroid hormones rise
C. TSH and thyroid hormones both rise
D. TSH rises and thyroid hormones fall
B. TSH falls and thyroid hormones rise
In which case might a very low plasma TSH result not correlate with thyroid status?
A. Euthyroid sick syndrome
B. Congenital hypothyroidism
C. When TBG is elevated
D. After high-dose corticosteroid treatment
D. After high-dose corticosteroid treatment
Which of the following hormones is often decreased by approximately 25% in the serum of pregnant women who have a fetus with Down syndrome?
A. Estriol (E3)
B. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
C. Progesterone
D. Estradiol (E2)
A. Estriol (E3)
The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) causes:
A. Low serum vasopressin
B. Hypernatremia
C. Urine osmolality to be lower than plasma
D. Low serum electrolytes
D. Low serum electrolytes
Select the hormone which when elevated is associated with galactorrhea, pituitary adenoma, and amenorrhea.
A. E2
B. Progesterone
C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. Prolactin
D. Prolactin
Zollinger-Ellison (Z-E) syndrome is characterized by great (e.g., 20-fold) elevation of:
A. Gastrin
B. Cholecystokinin
C. Pepsin
D. Glucagon
A. Gastrin
Which statement about multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is true?
A. It is associated with hyperplasia or neoplasia of at least two endocrine organs
B. Insulinoma is always present when the pituitary is involved
C. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder
D. Plasma hormone levels from affected organs are elevated at least 10-fold
A. It is associated with hyperplasia or neoplasia of at least two endocrine organs
Which statement best describes the relationship between luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in cases of dysmenorrhea?
A. Both are usually increased when there is pituitary adenoma
B. Increases in both hormones and a decrease in estrogen signal a pituitary cause of ovarian failure
C. Both hormones normally peak 1-2 days before ovulation
D. In menopause, the LH level at the midcycle peak is higher than the level of FSH
C. Both hormones normally peak 1-2 days before ovulation
Select the main estrogen produced by the ovaries and used to evaluate ovarian function.
A. Estriol (E3 )
B. Estradiol (E2 )
C. Epiestriol
D. Hydroxyestrone
B. Estradiol (E2 )
When pituitary adenoma is the cause of decreased estrogen production, an increase of which hormone is most frequently responsible?
A. Prolactin
B. FSH
C. LH
D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
A. Prolactin
When should progesterone be measured when evaluating an adult female for anovulation?
A. At the onset of menses
B. During the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle
C. At the midcycle just after LH peaks
D. At the end of the menstrual cycle
C. At the midcycle just after LH peaks
A female with severe excessive pubic and facial hair growth (hirsutism) should be tested for which of the following hormones?
A. Estrogen and progesterone
B. Chorionic gonadotropin
C. Growth hormone
D. Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
D. Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
Which set of results is most likely in an adult male with primary testicular failure?
A. Increased LH, FSH, and decreased testosterone
B. Decreased LH, FSH, and testosterone
C. Decreased testosterone, androstenedione, and FSH
D. Increased androstenedione, decreased testosterone, and normal FSH
A. Increased LH, FSH, and decreased testosterone
Which set of results is most likely in a female with hypogonadotropic ovarian failure?
A. Increased LH, FSH, and estrogen
B. Decreased LH, FSH, and estrogen
C. Decreased prolactin and estrogen
D. Increased LH and FSH, and decreased estrogen
B. Decreased LH, FSH, and estrogen
The onset of menopause is usually associated with what hormone changes?
A. Decreased estrogen, testosterone, and androgens
B. Decreased estrogen, FSH, LH, and progesterone
C. Decreased estrogen and progesterone, and increased LH and FSH
D. Decreased estrogen and progesterone, normal LH and FSH
C. Decreased estrogen and progesterone, and increased LH and FSH
Which of the following statements is correct in assessing GH deficiency?
A. Pituitary failure may involve one, several, or all adenohypophyseal hormones; but GH deficiency is usually found
B. A normal random serum level of GH in a child under 6 years old rules out GH deficiency
C. Administration of arginine, insulin, or glucagon will suppress GH release
D. GH levels in the blood show little variation within a 24-hour period
A. Pituitary failure may involve one, several, or all adenohypophyseal hormones; but GH deficiency is usually found
Hyperparathyroidism is most consistently associated with:
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypocalciuria
C. Hypophosphatemia
D. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Hypophosphatemia
Which statement best describes the level of GH in patients with pituitary adenoma associated with acromegaly?
A. The fasting GH level is always elevated at least twofold
B. Some patients will require a glucose suppression test to establish a diagnosis
C. A normal fasting GH level rules out acromegaly
D. Patients produce a lower concentration of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) than expected from their GH level
B. Some patients will require a glucose suppression test to establish a diagnosis
The best method of analysis for serum PTH involves using antibodies that detect:
A. The amino-terminal fragment of PTH
B. Te carboxy-terminal end of PTH
C. Both the amino-terminal fragment and intact PTH
D. All fragments of PTH as well as intact hormone
C. Both the amino-terminal fragment and intact PTH
Which statement regarding the use of PTH is true?
A. Determination of serum PTH level is the best screening test for disorders of calcium metabolism
B. PTH levels differentiate primary and secondary causes of hypoparathyroidism
C. PTH levels differentiate primary and secondary causes of hypocalcemia
D. PTH levels are low in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism
C. PTH levels differentiate primary and secondary causes of hypocalcemia
Which is normally the most abundant corticosteroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex?
A. Cortisol
B. Dehydroepiandrosterone
C. Aldosterone
D. Corticosterone
A. Cortisol
Which of the following is most often elevated in hypercalcemia associated with malignancy?
A. Parathyroid-derived PTH
B. Ectopic PTH
C. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHRP)
D. Calcitonin
C. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHRP)
Weighthich of the following conditions is characterized
by primary hyperaldosteronism caused by adrenal adenoma, carcinoma, or hyperplasia?
A. Cushing’s syndrome
B. Addison’s disease
C. Conn’s syndrome
D. Pheochromocytoma
C. Conn’s syndrome
Which of the following statements about cortisol in Cushing’s syndrome is true?
A. Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol is a more sensitive test than plasma total cortisol
B. Patients with Cushing’s disease show pronounced diurnal variation in serum cortisol
C. Free cortisol is increased by a high-serum cortisol-binding protein concentration
D. An elevated serum total cortisol level is diagnostic of Cushing’s syndrome
A. Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol is a more sensitive test than plasma total cortisol
Which of the following statements regarding
adrenal cortical dysfunction is true?
A. Patients with Cushing’s syndrome usually have
hyperkalemia
B. Cushing’s syndrome is associated with glucose
intolerance
C. Addison’s disease is associated with
hypernatremia
D. Addison’s disease is caused by elevated levels of
cortisol
B. Cushing’s syndrome is associated with glucose
Which of the following is the most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome?
A. Pituitary adenoma
B. Adrenal hyperplasia
C. Overuse of corticosteroids
D. Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production by tumors
C. Overuse of corticosteroids
Which of the following is the mechanism causing Cushing’s disease?
A. Excess secretion of pituitary ACTH
B. Adrenal adenoma
C. Treatment with corticosteroids
D. Ectopic ACTH production by tumors
A. Excess secretion of pituitary ACTH
Which of the following statements about the aminotransferases (AST and ALT) is true?
A. Isoenzymes of AST and ALT are not found in humans
B. Both transfer an amino group to α-ketoglutarate
C. Both require NADP+ as a coenzyme
D. Both utilize four carbon amino acids as substrates
B. Both transfer an amino group to α-ketoglutarate
Select the products formed from the forward reaction of AST.
A. Alanine and α-ketoglutarate
B. Oxaloacetate and glutamate
C. Aspartate and glutamine
D. Glutamate and NADH
B. Oxaloacetate and glutamate
Select the products formed from the forward reaction of ALT.
A. Aspartate and alanine
B. Alanine and α-ketoglutarate
C. Pyruvate and glutamate
D. Glutamine and NAD+
C. Pyruvate and glutamate
Select the coupling enzyme used in the kinetic AST reaction of Henry.
A. LD
B. Malate dehydrogenase
C. Glutamate dehydrogenase
D. G-6-PD
B. Malate dehydrogenase
What is the purpose of LD in the kinetic method
of Henry for AST?
A. Forms NADH, enabling the reaction to be
monitored at 340 nm
B. Rapidly exhausts endogenous pyruvate in the lag phase
C. Reduces oxaloacetate, preventing product
inhibition
D. Generates lactate, which activates AST
B. Rapidly exhausts endogenous pyruvate in the lag phase
Which of the statements below regarding the methods of Henry for AST and ALT is correct?
A. Hemolysis will cause positive interference in both AST and ALT assays
B. Loss of activity occurs if samples are frozen at -20°C
C. The absorbance at the start of the reaction should not exceed 1.0 A
D. Reaction rates are unaffected by addition of P-5´-P to the substrate
A. Hemolysis will cause positive interference in both AST and ALT assays
Which of the following statements regarding the naming of transaminases is true?
A. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) is the older abbreviation for ALT
B. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) is the older abbreviation for AST
C. SGPT is the older abbreviation for ALT
D. SGOT is the newer abbreviation for AST
C. SGPT is the older abbreviation for ALT
Which statement accurately describes serum transaminase levels in AMI?
A. ALT is increased 5- to 10-fold after an AMI
B. AST peaks 24-48 hours after an AMI and returns to normal within 4-6 days
C. AST levels are usually 20-50 times the upper limit of normal after an AMI
D. Isoenzymes of AST are of greater diagnostic utility than the total enzyme level
B. AST peaks 24-48 hours after an AMI and returns to normal within 4-6 days
Which condition gives rise to the highest serum level of transaminases?
A. Acute hepatitis
B. Alcoholic cirrhosis
C. Obstructive biliary disease
D. Diffuse intrahepatic cholestasis
A. Acute hepatitis
In which liver disease is the DeRitis ratio (ALT:AST) usually greater than 1.0?
A. Acute hepatitis
B. Chronic hepatitis
C. Hepatic cirrhosis
D. Hepatic carcinoma
A. Acute hepatitis
Which of the following liver diseases produces the highest levels of transaminases?
A. Hepatic cirrhosis
B. Obstructive jaundice
C. Hepatic cancer
D. Alcoholic hepatitis
C. Hepatic cancer
Which of the following statements regarding transaminases is true?
A. ALT is often increased in muscular disease, pancreatitis, and lymphoma
B. ALT is increased in infectious mononucleosis, but AST is usually normal
C. ALT is far more specific for liver diseases than is AST
D. Substrate depletion seldom occurs in assays of serum from hepatitis cases
C. ALT is far more specific for liver diseases than is AST
Select the most sensitive marker for alcoholic liver disease.
A. GLD
B. ALT
C. AST
D. γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)
D. γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)
Which enzyme is least useful in differentiating necrotic from obstructive jaundice?
A. GGT
B. ALT
C. 5’ Nucleotidase
D. LD
D. LD
Which of the following statements about the phosphatases is true?
A. They hydrolyze adenosine triphosphate and related compounds
B. They are divided into two classes based upon pH needed for activity
C. They exhibit a high specificity for substrate
D. They are activated by Pi
B. They are divided into two classes based upon pH needed for activity
Which of the following statements regarding ALP is true?
A. In normal adults, the primary tissue source is fast-twitch skeletal muscle
B. Geriatric patients have a lower serum ALP than other adults
C. Serum ALP levels are lower in children than in adults
D. Pregnant women have a higher level of serum ALP than other adults
D. Pregnant women have a higher level of serum ALP than other adults
Which isoenzyme of ALP migrates farthest toward the anode when electrophoresed at pH 8.6?
A. Placental
B. Bone
C. Liver
D. Intestinal
C. Liver
Which statement regarding bone-specific ALP is true?
A. The bone isoenzyme can be measured immunochemically
B. Bone ALP is increased in bone resorption
C. Bone ALP is used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis
D. There are two distinct bone isoenzymes
A. The bone isoenzyme can be measured immunochemically
Which isoenzyme of ALP is most heat stable?
A. Bone
B. Liver
C. Intestinal
D. Placenta
D. Placenta
Which of the following statements regarding ALP is true?
A. All isoenzymes of ALP are antigenically distinct and can be identified by specific antibodies
B. Highest serum levels are seen in intrahepatic obstruction
C. Elevated serum ALP seen with elevated GGT suggests a hepatic source
D. When jaundice is present, an elevated ALP suggests acute hepatitis
C. Elevated serum ALP seen with elevated GGT suggests a hepatic source
In which condition would an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase be likely to occur?
A. Small cell lung carcinoma
B. Hemolytic anemia
C. Prostate cancer
D. Acute myocardial infarction
A. Small cell lung carcinoma
Which condition is least likely to be associated with increased serum ALP?
A. Osteomalacia
B. Biliary obstruction
C. Hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism
D. Osteoporosis
D. Osteoporosis
Which substrate is used in the Bowers-McComb method for ALP?
A. p-Nitrophenyl phosphate
B. β-Glycerophosphate
C. Phenylphosphate
D. α-Naphthylphosphate
A. p-Nitrophenyl phosphate
Which of the following buffers is used in the IFCC recommended method for ALP?
A. Glycine
B. Phosphate
C. 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol
D. Citrate
C. 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol