Endocrine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

Question 0

fasting blood glucose

Answer 0

test that measures the blood glucose level after a 12-hour fast

Question 1

exophthalmometry

Answer 1

test that measures the degree of forward displacement of the eyeball (exophthalmos) as seen in Graves’ disease.
The test is administered with an instrument called an exophthalmometer, which allows measurement of the distance from the center of the cornea to the lateral orbital rim.

Question 2

glucose tolerance test (GTT)

Answer 2

test that measures the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates by administering a standard dose of glucose and measuring glucose levels in the blood and urine at regular intervals

Question 3

insulin tolerance test

Answer 3

test that determines insulin levels in serum (blood) by administering insulin and measuring blood glucose levels in blood at regular intervals
In hypoglycemia, glucose levels may be lower and return to normal more slowly

Question 4

protein-bound iodine (PBI)

Answer 4

Test that measures the concentration of thyroxine in a blood sample.
THe PBI test provides an index of thyroid activity

Question 5

thyroid function test (TFT)

Answer 5

test that detects an increase of decrease in thyroid function.
The TFT measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4)

Question 6

total calcium

Answer 6

test that measures calcium to detect bone and parathyroid disorders.
Hypercalcemia can indicate primary hyperparathyroidism; hypocalcemia can indicate hypoparathyroidism

Question 7

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 7

noninvasive imaging technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than an x-ray beam to produce multiplanar cross sectional images.
MRI is the method of choice for diagnosing a growing number of diseases because it provides superior soft-tissue contrast, allows multiple planar views, and avoids the hazards of ionizing radiation. MRI is used to identify abnormalities of pituitary, pancreatic, adrenal, and thyroid glands.

Question 8

radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)

Answer 8

administration of radioactive iodine (RAI) orally or intravenously (IV) as a tracer to test how quickly the thyroid gland takes up (uptake) iodine from the blood.
Results of the radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test are used to determine thyroid function

Question 9

microneurosurgery of the pituitary gland

Answer 9

microdissection of a tumor using a binocular surgical microscope for magnification

Question 10

parathyroidectomy

Answer 10

excision of one or more of the parathyroid glands, usually to control hyperthyroidism

Question 11

pinealectomy

Answer 11

removal of the pineal body

Question 12

thymectomy

Answer 12

excision of the thymus gland

Question 13

thyroidectomy

Answer 13

excision of the thyroid gland
thyroidectomy is performed for goiter, tumors, or hyperthyroidism that does not respond to iodine therapy and antithyroid drugs
partial: method of choice for removing a fibrous nodular thyroid
subtotal: removal of most of the thyroid to relieve hyperthyroidism