NSG 550 DIAGNOSTICS EXAM 2026
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
precision of a test - ANSWER-Ability of the test to yield the same results on multiple trials using
the same sample (repeatability)
accuracy of a test - ANSWER-does the test measure what is is designed to measure
Sensitivity - ANSWER-determine who has the disease
highly sensitivity gives low false NEG
Specificity - ANSWER-determine who does NOT have the disease
highly specific gives low false POS
Choosing Wisely Campaign - ANSWER-Developed by the American Board of Internal Medicine to
aims to promote conversations between physicians and patients by helping patients choose
care that is:
Supported by evidence
Not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received
Free from harm
Truly necessary
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - ANSWER-Stimulates adrenal cortex to release
glucocorticoids (cortisol)
response to stress
fights infection
regulates blood sugar and blood pressure and metabolism
who makes acth - ANSWER-pituitary gland
what to draw when looking for endocrine disease process - ANSWER-acth
cortisol
cushings syndrome vs disease - ANSWER-disease too much acth and cortisol
syndrome too much cortisol
, Addison's disease - ANSWER-a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce
enough cortisol or aldosterone
cortisol - ANSWER-stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex
High ACTH levels and high cortisol - ANSWER-Cushing Disease or Ectopic ACTH production
high acth and low cortisol - ANSWER-Addison's disease
Low ACTH, high cortisol - ANSWER-Cushing syndrome
Low ACTH, low cortisol - ANSWER-hypopituitarism
ACTH stim test - ANSWER-250 mcg Cosyntropin; measure cortisol before & 30 & 60 min after
injxn; pre or post >18: R/O adrenal insuff
Aldosterone - ANSWER-"salt-retaining hormone" which promotes the retention of Na+ by the
kidneys. na+ retention promotes water retention, which promotes a higher blood volume and
pressure
antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - ANSWER-influences the absorption of water by kidney tubules
cause of low osmolality - ANSWER-low adh
DI
Antithyroidglobulin antibody - ANSWER-level of antibodies
protein found in thyroid cells
less than 116IU
Anion Gap - ANSWER-Difference between the concentrations of serum cations and anions:
determined by measuring the concentrations of sodium cations and chloride and bicarbonate
anions.
low anion gap - ANSWER-hypoalbuminemia
high anion gap - ANSWER-diabetic ketosis, due to increased amount of ketones acquired from
diet
diarrhea
poision
dehydration
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
precision of a test - ANSWER-Ability of the test to yield the same results on multiple trials using
the same sample (repeatability)
accuracy of a test - ANSWER-does the test measure what is is designed to measure
Sensitivity - ANSWER-determine who has the disease
highly sensitivity gives low false NEG
Specificity - ANSWER-determine who does NOT have the disease
highly specific gives low false POS
Choosing Wisely Campaign - ANSWER-Developed by the American Board of Internal Medicine to
aims to promote conversations between physicians and patients by helping patients choose
care that is:
Supported by evidence
Not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received
Free from harm
Truly necessary
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - ANSWER-Stimulates adrenal cortex to release
glucocorticoids (cortisol)
response to stress
fights infection
regulates blood sugar and blood pressure and metabolism
who makes acth - ANSWER-pituitary gland
what to draw when looking for endocrine disease process - ANSWER-acth
cortisol
cushings syndrome vs disease - ANSWER-disease too much acth and cortisol
syndrome too much cortisol
, Addison's disease - ANSWER-a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce
enough cortisol or aldosterone
cortisol - ANSWER-stress hormone released by the adrenal cortex
High ACTH levels and high cortisol - ANSWER-Cushing Disease or Ectopic ACTH production
high acth and low cortisol - ANSWER-Addison's disease
Low ACTH, high cortisol - ANSWER-Cushing syndrome
Low ACTH, low cortisol - ANSWER-hypopituitarism
ACTH stim test - ANSWER-250 mcg Cosyntropin; measure cortisol before & 30 & 60 min after
injxn; pre or post >18: R/O adrenal insuff
Aldosterone - ANSWER-"salt-retaining hormone" which promotes the retention of Na+ by the
kidneys. na+ retention promotes water retention, which promotes a higher blood volume and
pressure
antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - ANSWER-influences the absorption of water by kidney tubules
cause of low osmolality - ANSWER-low adh
DI
Antithyroidglobulin antibody - ANSWER-level of antibodies
protein found in thyroid cells
less than 116IU
Anion Gap - ANSWER-Difference between the concentrations of serum cations and anions:
determined by measuring the concentrations of sodium cations and chloride and bicarbonate
anions.
low anion gap - ANSWER-hypoalbuminemia
high anion gap - ANSWER-diabetic ketosis, due to increased amount of ketones acquired from
diet
diarrhea
poision
dehydration
