Question

A 20-year-old female presents to the clinic with fatigue and weakness that has developed over the past several weeks. She states she has lost weight because she does not have an appetite, although she has been craving salty foods. She is unsure of the first day of her last menstrual period as she has not had her period over several months. On examination, blood pressure (BP) is 108/72, BP 80/60, pulse 70 lying and 85 standing; skin is noted to be hyperpigmented. Neurologic examination is within normal limits except for diminished deep tendon reflexes diffusely. Which of the following laboratory results is expected in this patient?
a) elevated serum cortisol levels after a cosyntropin stimulation test.
b) elevate serum beta-HCG.
c) low morning (8 AM) plasma cortisol levels with elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels.
d) elevated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.

Answer 1

Answer:

c

Explanation: