COORDINATORS: MARK JADAV AND GAVIN LLOYD

Theme: Diabetes and endocrinology

QUESTION 1

Which of the following statements regarding diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are true?

1. A negative urine dip stick test for ketones makes a diagnosis unlikely.

2. Venous blood is sufficient for the measurement of blood pH and bicarbonate.

3. A neutrophil leucocytosis is likely to indicate an infective cause.

4. Cerebral oedema is a more common complication in young patients given rapid resuscitation fluids.

QUESTION 2

Which of the following statements regarding acute adrenal cortical insufficiency are true?

1. The diagnosis is unlikely in the absence of hyperkalaemia.

2. Hypotension is generally refractory to intravenous fluid therapy.

3. An adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test should be used to identify patients with septic shock who would benefit from corticosteroids.

4. Empirical therapy with intravenous dexamethasone is preferable to intravenous hydrocortisone.

QUESTION 3

Which of the following statements regarding blood glucose control are true?

1. Patients may continue to drive providing they have awareness of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia.

2. Metformin should be stopped for 48 h before computed tomography scan with intravenous iodinated contrast.

3. Octreotide is recommended in the treatment of refractory hypoglycaemia secondary to sulphonylurea overdose.

4. Hypoglycaemia causes prolongation of the QT interval.