Endocrinology: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Endocrinology

Sample item

Which biochemical feature is most typical of primary hypothyroidism?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. High TSH with low free thyroxine

In primary hypothyroidism the thyroid underproduces hormone, so pituitary feedback increases TSH while free thyroxine falls.

Option by option

  • A. High insulin with normal glucose only

    Insulin alone does not diagnose hypothyroidism.

  • B. High TSH with low free thyroxine (correct)

    Correct: loss of thyroid output raises pituitary TSH.

  • C. Low TSH with high free thyroxine

    This pattern is more consistent with hyperthyroidism.

  • D. Low cortisol after dexamethasone only

    This does not describe the usual thyroid feedback pattern.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, High TSH with low free thyroxine. In primary hypothyroidism the thyroid underproduces hormone, so pituitary feedback increases TSH while free thyroxine falls.

Why is "High insulin with normal glucose only" not the answer?

Insulin alone does not diagnose hypothyroidism.

Why is "Low TSH with high free thyroxine" not the answer?

This pattern is more consistent with hyperthyroidism.

Why is "Low cortisol after dexamethasone only" not the answer?

This does not describe the usual thyroid feedback pattern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology in General Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: loss of thyroid output raises pituitary TSH.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endocrinology?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.