NR 324 Adult Health II - Week 4 Study Guide: Endocrine Disorders
2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with deep, rapid
respirations and a fruity breath odor. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse
suspect?
A. Metabolic Alkalosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath are classic signs of Diabetic
Ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a form of metabolic acidosis caused by the accumulation of
ketones.
2. Which insulin should the nurse administer 15 minutes before a meal to cover
postprandial blood glucose elevations?
A. Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
B. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
C. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
D. NPH Insulin (Humulin N)
Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 10-30 minutes, making
it ideal for administration right before meals.
,3. A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone
(SIADH). Which laboratory result is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Serum Potassium 5.5 mEq/L
B. Serum Osmolality 320 mOsm/kg
C. Urine Specific Gravity 1.002
D. Serum Sodium 118 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: SIADH causes water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. A serum
sodium of 118 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia.
4. A patient with Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP).
Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Increased thirst
B. Weight loss of 2 lbs
C. Decreased urine output
D. Decreased urine specific gravity
Answer: C
Rationale: Desmopressin is an antidiuretic hormone replacement. Effectiveness is marked
by decreased urine output and increased urine concentration (specific gravity).
5. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect in a patient with Graves’
disease?
A. Bradycardia
B. Exophthalmos
C. Cold intolerance
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Rationale: Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms include
exophthalmos (bulging eyes), tachycardia, heat intolerance, and weight loss.
, 6. A patient post-thyroidectomy develops tingling in the fingers and a positive
Chvostek’s sign. Which medication should the nurse prepare?
A. Calcium Gluconate
B. Potassium Chloride
C. Magnesium Sulfate
D. Sodium Bicarbonate
Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling and a positive Chvostek’s sign indicate hypocalcemia, often caused by
accidental damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery. IV Calcium Gluconate
is the treatment.
7. What is the primary action of Metformin (Glucophage) in treating Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Reducing glucose production by the liver
B. Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin
C. Increasing urinary excretion of glucose
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production and
improving insulin sensitivity in the tissues.
8. A patient with Cushing’s Syndrome is at high risk for which of the following?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Infection
C. Weight loss
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Excess cortisol in Cushing’s Syndrome suppresses the immune system and
increases blood glucose, putting the patient at high risk for infection.
2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with deep, rapid
respirations and a fruity breath odor. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse
suspect?
A. Metabolic Alkalosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath are classic signs of Diabetic
Ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a form of metabolic acidosis caused by the accumulation of
ketones.
2. Which insulin should the nurse administer 15 minutes before a meal to cover
postprandial blood glucose elevations?
A. Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
B. Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
C. Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
D. NPH Insulin (Humulin N)
Answer: A
Rationale: Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 10-30 minutes, making
it ideal for administration right before meals.
,3. A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone
(SIADH). Which laboratory result is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Serum Potassium 5.5 mEq/L
B. Serum Osmolality 320 mOsm/kg
C. Urine Specific Gravity 1.002
D. Serum Sodium 118 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: SIADH causes water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. A serum
sodium of 118 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia.
4. A patient with Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is receiving Desmopressin (DDAVP).
Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. Increased thirst
B. Weight loss of 2 lbs
C. Decreased urine output
D. Decreased urine specific gravity
Answer: C
Rationale: Desmopressin is an antidiuretic hormone replacement. Effectiveness is marked
by decreased urine output and increased urine concentration (specific gravity).
5. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect in a patient with Graves’
disease?
A. Bradycardia
B. Exophthalmos
C. Cold intolerance
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Rationale: Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms include
exophthalmos (bulging eyes), tachycardia, heat intolerance, and weight loss.
, 6. A patient post-thyroidectomy develops tingling in the fingers and a positive
Chvostek’s sign. Which medication should the nurse prepare?
A. Calcium Gluconate
B. Potassium Chloride
C. Magnesium Sulfate
D. Sodium Bicarbonate
Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling and a positive Chvostek’s sign indicate hypocalcemia, often caused by
accidental damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery. IV Calcium Gluconate
is the treatment.
7. What is the primary action of Metformin (Glucophage) in treating Type 2
Diabetes?
A. Reducing glucose production by the liver
B. Stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin
C. Increasing urinary excretion of glucose
D. Slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut
Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production and
improving insulin sensitivity in the tissues.
8. A patient with Cushing’s Syndrome is at high risk for which of the following?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Infection
C. Weight loss
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Excess cortisol in Cushing’s Syndrome suppresses the immune system and
increases blood glucose, putting the patient at high risk for infection.
