ELABORATED ASSESSMENT AND
MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (CH. 52)
The nurse obtains a complete family history of a client with a suspected endocrine disorder based on
which rationale?
1. An allergy to iodine is inherited.
2. It helps determine the client's general status.
3. Endocrine disorders can be inherited.
4. Diet and drug histories are related to the family history. - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct
response: Endocrine disorders can be inherited.
Explanation:
Some endocrine disorders are inherited or have a tendency to run in families. Therefore, it is
essential to take a complete family history. A complete blood count and chemistry profile are
performed to determine the client's general status and to rule out disorders. Obtaining information
about an allergy to iodine is important because diagnostic testing may involve the use of contrast
dyes. However, an allergy to iodine is not related to endocrine disorders. Diet and drug histories,
although important information, are not associated with the family history.
Accidental removal of one or both parathyroid glands can occur during a thyroidectomy. Which of the
following is used to treat tetany?
1. Tapazole
2. Synthroid
3. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
4. Calcium gluconate - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
,Calcium gluconate
Explanation:
Sometimes in thyroid surgery, the parathyroid glands are removed, producing a disturbance in calcium
metabolism. Tetany is usually treated with IV calcium gluconate. Synthroid is used in the treatment of
hypothyroidism. PTU and Tapazole are used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
A nurse is caring for a client with a kidney disorder. What hormone released by the kidneys initiates the
production of angiotensin and aldosterone to increase blood pressure and blood volume?
1. erythropoietin
2. cholecystokinin
3. gastrin
4. rerenin - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
renin
Explanation:
Renin is released from the kidneys and initiates the production of angiotensin and aldosterone to
increase blood pressure and blood volume. The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, a substance that
promotes the maturation of red blood cells. Cholecystokinin released from cells in the small
intestine stimulates contraction of the gallbladder to release bile when dietary fat is ingested. Gastrin
is released within the stomach to increase the production of hydrochloric acid.
A client with acromegaly is admitted to the hospital with complaints of partial blindness that began
suddenly. What does the nurse suspect is occurring with this client?
1. Retinal detachment
2. Pressure on the optic nerve
3. Glaucoma
4. Corneal abrasions - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct
response: Pressure on the optic nerve
,Explanation:
Partial blindness may result from pressure on the optic nerve. Glaucoma does not occur suddenly,
and the client did not report injury to suspect corneal abrasions or retinal detachment.
A nurse is caring for a client with suspected hyperparathyroidism. Which condition may contribute to
hyperparathyroidism?
1. Steroid use
2. Renal failure
3. Decreased serum calcium level
4. Thyroidectomy - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
Renal failure
Explanation:
Kidney damage can result from the precipitation of calcium phosphate in the renal pelvis and
parenchyma, which causes renal calculi (kidney stones), obstruction, pyelonephritis, and kidney
injury. Parathyroid hormone release increases, causing hyperparathyroidism. Serum calcium level may
rise as a result of hyperparathyroidism. Thyroidectomy may lead to hypoparathyroidism if the
parathyroid is also removed during surgery. Steroid use causes calcium to leave bone, suppressing
parathyroid hormone.
Which of the following hormones controls secretion of adrenal androgens?
1. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
3. Calcitonin
4. Parathormone - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct
response: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Explanation:
, ACTH controls the secretion of adrenal androgens. When secreted in normal amounts, the adrenal
androgens appear to have little effect, but when secreted in excess, as in certain inborn enzyme
deficiencies, masculinization may result. The secretion of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland is
controlled by TSH. Parathormone regulates calcium and phosphorous metabolism. Calcitonin reduces
the plasma level of calcium by increasing its deposition in bone.
A patient has been diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome. The nurse would expect which of the following
features to be present upon physical examination? Select all that apply.
1. Thin extremities
2. Purple striae
3. Truncal obesity
4. "Moon face"
5. "Buffalo hump" - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
"Buffalo hump"
Thin extremities
"Moon face"
Truncal obesity
Purple striae
Explanation:
Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome (excessive adrenocortical hormones may cause "moon face,"
"buffalo hump," thinning of the skin, obesity of the trunk and thinness of the extremities, and purple
striae.
A client presents with a huge lower jaw, bulging forehead, large hands and feet, and frequent
headaches. What could be causing this client's symptoms?
1. panhypopituitarism
2. panhyperpituitarism
3. hypopituitarism
MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (CH. 52)
The nurse obtains a complete family history of a client with a suspected endocrine disorder based on
which rationale?
1. An allergy to iodine is inherited.
2. It helps determine the client's general status.
3. Endocrine disorders can be inherited.
4. Diet and drug histories are related to the family history. - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct
response: Endocrine disorders can be inherited.
Explanation:
Some endocrine disorders are inherited or have a tendency to run in families. Therefore, it is
essential to take a complete family history. A complete blood count and chemistry profile are
performed to determine the client's general status and to rule out disorders. Obtaining information
about an allergy to iodine is important because diagnostic testing may involve the use of contrast
dyes. However, an allergy to iodine is not related to endocrine disorders. Diet and drug histories,
although important information, are not associated with the family history.
Accidental removal of one or both parathyroid glands can occur during a thyroidectomy. Which of the
following is used to treat tetany?
1. Tapazole
2. Synthroid
3. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
4. Calcium gluconate - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
,Calcium gluconate
Explanation:
Sometimes in thyroid surgery, the parathyroid glands are removed, producing a disturbance in calcium
metabolism. Tetany is usually treated with IV calcium gluconate. Synthroid is used in the treatment of
hypothyroidism. PTU and Tapazole are used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
A nurse is caring for a client with a kidney disorder. What hormone released by the kidneys initiates the
production of angiotensin and aldosterone to increase blood pressure and blood volume?
1. erythropoietin
2. cholecystokinin
3. gastrin
4. rerenin - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
renin
Explanation:
Renin is released from the kidneys and initiates the production of angiotensin and aldosterone to
increase blood pressure and blood volume. The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, a substance that
promotes the maturation of red blood cells. Cholecystokinin released from cells in the small
intestine stimulates contraction of the gallbladder to release bile when dietary fat is ingested. Gastrin
is released within the stomach to increase the production of hydrochloric acid.
A client with acromegaly is admitted to the hospital with complaints of partial blindness that began
suddenly. What does the nurse suspect is occurring with this client?
1. Retinal detachment
2. Pressure on the optic nerve
3. Glaucoma
4. Corneal abrasions - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct
response: Pressure on the optic nerve
,Explanation:
Partial blindness may result from pressure on the optic nerve. Glaucoma does not occur suddenly,
and the client did not report injury to suspect corneal abrasions or retinal detachment.
A nurse is caring for a client with suspected hyperparathyroidism. Which condition may contribute to
hyperparathyroidism?
1. Steroid use
2. Renal failure
3. Decreased serum calcium level
4. Thyroidectomy - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
Renal failure
Explanation:
Kidney damage can result from the precipitation of calcium phosphate in the renal pelvis and
parenchyma, which causes renal calculi (kidney stones), obstruction, pyelonephritis, and kidney
injury. Parathyroid hormone release increases, causing hyperparathyroidism. Serum calcium level may
rise as a result of hyperparathyroidism. Thyroidectomy may lead to hypoparathyroidism if the
parathyroid is also removed during surgery. Steroid use causes calcium to leave bone, suppressing
parathyroid hormone.
Which of the following hormones controls secretion of adrenal androgens?
1. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
3. Calcitonin
4. Parathormone - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct
response: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Explanation:
, ACTH controls the secretion of adrenal androgens. When secreted in normal amounts, the adrenal
androgens appear to have little effect, but when secreted in excess, as in certain inborn enzyme
deficiencies, masculinization may result. The secretion of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland is
controlled by TSH. Parathormone regulates calcium and phosphorous metabolism. Calcitonin reduces
the plasma level of calcium by increasing its deposition in bone.
A patient has been diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome. The nurse would expect which of the following
features to be present upon physical examination? Select all that apply.
1. Thin extremities
2. Purple striae
3. Truncal obesity
4. "Moon face"
5. "Buffalo hump" - CORRECT ANSWER -Correct response:
"Buffalo hump"
Thin extremities
"Moon face"
Truncal obesity
Purple striae
Explanation:
Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome (excessive adrenocortical hormones may cause "moon face,"
"buffalo hump," thinning of the skin, obesity of the trunk and thinness of the extremities, and purple
striae.
A client presents with a huge lower jaw, bulging forehead, large hands and feet, and frequent
headaches. What could be causing this client's symptoms?
1. panhypopituitarism
2. panhyperpituitarism
3. hypopituitarism
