Endocrinology: primary hyperparathyroidism: 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.

Try it

General Medicine · Endocrinology: primary hyperparathyroidism

Sample item

A patient has recurrent kidney stones, constipation, high calcium, low phosphate, and elevated parathyroid hormone. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Primary hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism causes elevated parathyroid hormone and calcium with phosphate wasting, and may cause stones, bone disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neuropsychiatric effects.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoparathyroidism

    Hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium and high phosphate.

  • B. Primary hyperparathyroidism (correct)

    Correct. High PTH with hypercalcemia and low phosphate fits primary hyperparathyroidism.

  • C. SIADH

    SIADH causes dilutional hyponatremia.

  • D. Vitamin D deficiency

    Vitamin D deficiency usually causes low or normal calcium with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

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, Primary hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism causes elevated parathyroid hormone and calcium with phosphate wasting, and may cause stones, bone disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neuropsychiatric effects.

Why is "Hypoparathyroidism" not the answer?

Hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium and high phosphate.

Why is "SIADH" not the answer?

SIADH causes dilutional hyponatremia.

Why is "Vitamin D deficiency" not the answer?

Vitamin D deficiency usually causes low or normal calcium with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: primary hyperparathyroidism in General Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct. High PTH with hypercalcemia and low phosphate fits primary hyperparathyroidism.

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: primary hyperparathyroidism?

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.