Deck 38: Endocrine System Function and Assessment

Question 1

The nurse is providing care for a patient diagnosed with posterior pituitary tumor resulting in oversecretion of hormones. Which manifestation of this disorder will the nurse expect?

A)Significant increase in urinary output
B)Notable increase in blood pressure
C)Physical indications of dehydration
D)Severe blood loss associated with injury

Answer 1

Notable increase in blood pressure

Question 2

The nurse is preparing a patient for a thyroid scan to rule out thyroid cancer. Which instruction does the nurse give the patient prior to the testing?

A)Do not leave the area after the radioactive material is injected.
B)Collect all urine for 4 hours so it can be evaluated for radiation.
C)Use the bathroom before the scanning part of the test is performed.
D)Multiple series of x-rays will be taken over a period of 2 hours.

Answer 2

Use the bathroom before the scanning part of the test is performed.

Question 3

The nurse receives information that an assigned patient is scheduled for an ultrasound of an endocrine gland. Which instruction does the nurse give the patient?

A)Wear clothing with an elastic waistband.
B)Remain NPO for 12 hours prior to testing.
C)Do not wear a tight or high-necked shirt.
D)Wash hair with antimicrobial shampoo.

Answer 3

Wear clothing with an elastic waistband.

Question 4

An older adult patient is experiencing a reduction in energy. Which comment by the nurse is most appropriate?

A)"Mild diabetes often develops with age; I'll see about checking your blood sugar."
B)"Your tiredness is because your body increases the release of growth hormone as you age."
C)"Aging causes the basal metabolic rate to change, and it's often normal to have less energy."
D)"A decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion occurs with age, and that can make you feel tired."

Question 5

The nurse is reviewing information with a patient about the normal anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system. Which factor is inaccurate?

A)All endocrine glands are anatomically separate in location.
B)All endocrine glands function independently of each other.
C)Most hormone levels are regulated by a negative feedback system.
D)Each hormone is secreted in response to a specific stimulus.

Question 6

A patient is prescribed a dose of epinephrine. Which effects does the nurse expect the patient to exhibit after receiving this medication? (Select all that apply.)

A)Decreases peristalsis
B)Constricts bronchioles
C)Increases heart rate and force of contraction
D)Stimulates the liver to convert glycogen to glucose
E)Stimulates vasoconstriction in skin and most viscera

Question 7

The nurse is aware that a 12-year-old male client is at the fifth percentile on the growth chart for height. Which medical intervention does the nurse expect the HCP to prescribe?

A)Surgery to lengthen the long bones and increase height
B)Administration of GH therapy for added height
C)Maintaining a wait-and-see approach until the patient is age 18
D)Diagnostic testing to identify any adrenal gland dysfunction

Question 8

The nurse is providing care for a patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which information will the nurse give the patient about the response of the pancreas to hypoglycemia?

A)Pancreatic alpha cells are stimulated to inhibit insulin.
B)Pancreatic beta cells are stimulated to move glucose from cells.
C)Pancreatic alpha cells are stimulated to release glucagon.
D)Pancreatic beta cells are stimulated to decrease insulin.

Question 9

The nurse is assisting with care to a patient who underwent surgery for removal of the thyroid gland. Which symptom contradicts a possible complication of the surgery?

A)Decreased calcium in blood
B)Prolonged clotting time
C)Decreased calcitonin levels
D)Hyperactive bowel sounds

Question 10

The licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) is assisting with the physical examination of a patient in the HCP's office. Which physical examination does the LPN/LVN perform?

A)Observe for abnormal physical characteristics.
B)Palpation of the flank for adrenal gland disorders.
C)Gently palpate the thyroid gland for enlargement.
D)Percuss the abdomen to validate normal pancreas size.

Question 11

After reviewing the patient's medical record, the nurse plans to perform a physical examination. Which finding will change the usual process of physical examination?

A)The patient had surgery for a goiter.
B)The patient is being treated for diabetes mellitus.
C)The patient has elevated thyroid hormones.
D)The patient is diagnosed with a posterior pituitary tumor

Question 12

The nurse is researching information for a patient newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The nurse wants to present the responses by hormones other than insulin. Which information does the nurse avoid?

A)Growth hormones (GHs) secreted by the anterior pituitary play a part in glucose regulation.
B)Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted during hypoglycemia or when there is a high blood level of amino acids.
C)GH and growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) are secreted to maintain blood glucose levels and metabolism rates are normal.
D)GHIH is secreted during hyperglycemia when carbohydrates are available for energy production.

Question 13

The HCP prescribes a 24-hour urine specimen for cortisol. The patient is incontinent. Which method will the nurse use to collect the specimen?

A)Place the patient on a bedpan every half hour during the test.
B)Obtain an order for an indwelling catheter for the duration of the test.
C)Review the use of the nurse call light and have the patient indicate a need to void.
D)Place a bedside commode in a position to enable the patient to make a safe transfer.

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with adrenal gland dysfunction and is scheduled for a 24-hour urine test. Which action by the nurse in regard to the test is incorrect?

A)The test is complete when the last voiding is collected.
B)The first morning urine sample is retained for testing.
C)The test will need to be restarted if a urine sample is missed.
D)Urine samples are collected immediately after voiding.

Question 15

The nurse is aware that the pancreas is the only gland that is both endocrine and exocrine. Which secretion is related to the endocrine function of the pancreas?

A)Insulin
B)Bile
C)Amylase
D)Lipase

Question 16

The nurse is aware that the adrenal cortex secretes a variety of hormones. Which is an incorrect function of glucocorticoids?

A)In both genders, they contribute to libido.
B)They are small amounts of male androgens.
C)In females, they counterbalance estrogen effects.
D)They are the only source of estrogen after menopause.

Question 17

A client is identified with a thyroid disorder resulting in hormone deficiency. The HCP prescribes a stimulation test. Which process does the nurse expect for the test?

A)The patient will drink a contrast medium.
B)Hormone measurements will occur after a meal.
C)A substance will be injected into the patient.
D)The patient is evaluated after monitored exercise.

Question 18

The nurse is preparing a patient to undergo a suppression test to verify adrenal cortex dysfunction. Which reply will the nurse make when the client asks about the expected test procedure?

A)"You will be injected with an adrenal stimulant to see how the adrenal glands work."
B)"You will be injected with a steroid hormone that should suppress cortisol release."
C)"A failure of adrenal cortex function is indicated by a low blood cortisol level."
D)"You will be injected with epinephrine to stimulate your metabolic functions."

Question 19

A patient is experiencing an increased level of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). What should the nurse consider is occurring with this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A)Body stressed
B)Low blood volume
C)Presence of an injury
D)Low blood glucose level
E)Elevated blood glucose level

Question 20

A patient has returned to the unit after a needle biopsy of the thyroid gland to rule out cancer. Which observation is expected by the nurse following the procedure?

A)Pain level of 2 on a 0-to-10 scale
B)Moderate amount of bleeding on the bandage
C)Inability to swallow or speak clearly
D)An oxygen saturation level of 90 percent

Question 21

While collecting data, the nurse suspects that a patient is experiencing Cushing syndrome. Which findings does the nurse use to come to this conclusion? (Select all that apply.)

A)Bulging eyes
B)Mood swings
C)Buffalo hump
D)Water weight gain
E)Round "moon" face