Test Bank Unit 10: Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing
6th Edition Linda S. Williams Paula D. Hopper
Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is reviewing information with a patient about the normal anatomy and physiology
of the endocrine system. Which factor is inaccurate?
1. All endocrine glands are anatomically separate in location.
2. All endocrine glands function independently of each other.
3. Most hormone levels are regulated by a negative feedback system.
4. Each hormone is secreted in response to a specific stimulus.
ANS: 2
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: Identify the glands of the endocrine system.
Pages: 773–778
Heading: Normal Endocrine System Anatomy and Physiology
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 Unlike other organ systems, all endocrine glands are anatomically separate in
location.
2 Endocrine glands may function separately, but some hormones are secreted in
response to hormones secreted by other endocrine glands.
3 Most hormone levels are regulated by a negative feedback system, as when
hormone levels are low or body functions are not normal.
4 Each specific hormone is secreted in response to a specific stimulus and affects
target cells for that specific hormone.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
2. 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?
1. Growth hormones (GHs) secreted by the anterior pituitary play a part in glucose
regulation.
2. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted during hypoglycemia or
when there is a high blood level of amino acids.
3. GH and growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) are secreted to maintain
blood glucose levels and metabolism rates are normal.
4. GHIH is secreted during hyperglycemia when carbohydrates are available for
energy production.
ANS: 3
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
, Objective: Explain the function of each of the hormones in the endocrine system.
Page: 782
Heading: Anterior Pituitary Gland
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Metabolism
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 The anterior pituitary hormones play a part in blood glucose regulation with the
secretion of GHRH and GHIH.
2 The option correctly explains the function of GHRH during hypoglycemia and
high blood level of amino acids.
3 GH and GHIH are growth hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland,
but GH has no influence on the regulation of blood glucose levels. GH
stimulates growth and GHIH inhibits growth. However, GHIH also plays a part
in glucose regulation.
4 This correctly explains the function of GHIH during hyperglycemia when
adequate carbohydrates are available for energy production and fat
mobilization is not necessary.
PTS: 1 CON: Metabolism
3. An older adult patient is experiencing a reduction in energy. Which comment by the nurse is
most appropriate?
1. “Mild diabetes often develops with age; I’ll see about checking your blood sugar.”
2. “Your tiredness is because your body increases the release of growth hormone as
you age.”
3. “Aging causes the basal metabolic rate to change, and it’s often normal to have
less energy.”
4. “A decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion occurs with age, and that can make
you feel tired.”
ANS: 3
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: Describe the effects of aging on endocrine system function.
Page: 795
Heading: Aging and the Endocrine System
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 Most of the endocrine glands decrease their secretions with age, but normal
aging usually does not lead to serious hormone deficiencies or illness. Unless
specific pathological conditions develop, the endocrine system usually
, continues to function adequately in old age.
2 Most of the endocrine glands decrease their secretions with age, but normal
aging usually does not lead to serious hormone deficiencies or illness. Unless
specific pathological conditions develop, the endocrine system usually
continues to function adequately in old age.
3 Decreases in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone cause a
decrease in the basal metabolic rate and may result in decreased energy. The
decrease in secretion is normal with aging.
4 Low parathyroid hormone is not a common cause of tiredness.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
4. 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?
1. The patient had surgery for a goiter.
2. The patient is being treated for diabetes mellitus.
3. The patient has elevated thyroid hormones.
4. The patient is diagnosed with a posterior pituitary tumor
ANS: 3
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: List data to collect when caring for a patient with a disorder of the endocrine
system.
Page: 796
Heading: Thyroid Gland
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physical Integrity—Reduction of Risk Potential
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 The finding that the patient had surgery for a goiter will not alone change the
nurse’s process of physical examination.
2 The finding that the patient is being treated for diabetes mellitus will not
change the nurse’s process of physical examination.
3 Elevated thyroid hormones are indicative of a hyperactive thyroid gland. The
nurse will not assist the health care provider (HCP) during thyroid
examination. The HCP will avoid palpating the thyroid to avoid stimulation.
4 Because the nurse would be unable to perform a physical examination on the
posterior pituitary gland, this finding alone is not going to change the nurse’s
process of physical examination.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
5. The HCP prescribes a 24-hour urine specimen for cortisol. The patient is incontinent. Which
method will the nurse use to collect the specimen?
1. Place the patient on a bedpan every half hour during the test.
2. Obtain an order for an indwelling catheter for the duration of the test.
, 3. Review the use of the nurse call light and have the patient indicate a need to void.
4. Place a bedside commode in a position to enable the patient to make a safe
transfer.
ANS: 2
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: Plan nursing care for patients undergoing testing for an endocrine disorder.
Page: 780
Heading: Adrenal Cortex
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment—Safety and Infection Control
Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 Placing the patient on a bedpan every half hour is not going assure that all urine
is collected; the patient may have continuous incontinence.
2 If the patient is incontinent or otherwise unable to participate in the test, a
catheter may need to be inserted. If the patient already has an indwelling
catheter, a new bag and tubing should be attached before the start of the test.
3 Reviewing the use of the call light may not be effective. The patient may or
may not be able to determine the need to void or may not be able to wait for
help without voiding.
4 There is not enough information to determine if the patient is able to use a
bedside commode safely. Functional incontinence would not support this
method of collection.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
6. 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?
1. Significant increase in urinary output
2. Notable increase in blood pressure
3. Physical indications of dehydration
4. Severe blood loss associated with injury
ANS: 2
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: List data to collect when caring for a patient with a disorder of the endocrine
system.
Page: 790
Heading: Posterior Pituitary Gland
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Metabolism
Difficulty: Difficult
Feedback
6th Edition Linda S. Williams Paula D. Hopper
Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is reviewing information with a patient about the normal anatomy and physiology
of the endocrine system. Which factor is inaccurate?
1. All endocrine glands are anatomically separate in location.
2. All endocrine glands function independently of each other.
3. Most hormone levels are regulated by a negative feedback system.
4. Each hormone is secreted in response to a specific stimulus.
ANS: 2
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: Identify the glands of the endocrine system.
Pages: 773–778
Heading: Normal Endocrine System Anatomy and Physiology
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 Unlike other organ systems, all endocrine glands are anatomically separate in
location.
2 Endocrine glands may function separately, but some hormones are secreted in
response to hormones secreted by other endocrine glands.
3 Most hormone levels are regulated by a negative feedback system, as when
hormone levels are low or body functions are not normal.
4 Each specific hormone is secreted in response to a specific stimulus and affects
target cells for that specific hormone.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
2. 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?
1. Growth hormones (GHs) secreted by the anterior pituitary play a part in glucose
regulation.
2. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is secreted during hypoglycemia or
when there is a high blood level of amino acids.
3. GH and growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) are secreted to maintain
blood glucose levels and metabolism rates are normal.
4. GHIH is secreted during hyperglycemia when carbohydrates are available for
energy production.
ANS: 3
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
, Objective: Explain the function of each of the hormones in the endocrine system.
Page: 782
Heading: Anterior Pituitary Gland
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Metabolism
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 The anterior pituitary hormones play a part in blood glucose regulation with the
secretion of GHRH and GHIH.
2 The option correctly explains the function of GHRH during hypoglycemia and
high blood level of amino acids.
3 GH and GHIH are growth hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland,
but GH has no influence on the regulation of blood glucose levels. GH
stimulates growth and GHIH inhibits growth. However, GHIH also plays a part
in glucose regulation.
4 This correctly explains the function of GHIH during hyperglycemia when
adequate carbohydrates are available for energy production and fat
mobilization is not necessary.
PTS: 1 CON: Metabolism
3. An older adult patient is experiencing a reduction in energy. Which comment by the nurse is
most appropriate?
1. “Mild diabetes often develops with age; I’ll see about checking your blood sugar.”
2. “Your tiredness is because your body increases the release of growth hormone as
you age.”
3. “Aging causes the basal metabolic rate to change, and it’s often normal to have
less energy.”
4. “A decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion occurs with age, and that can make
you feel tired.”
ANS: 3
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: Describe the effects of aging on endocrine system function.
Page: 795
Heading: Aging and the Endocrine System
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 Most of the endocrine glands decrease their secretions with age, but normal
aging usually does not lead to serious hormone deficiencies or illness. Unless
specific pathological conditions develop, the endocrine system usually
, continues to function adequately in old age.
2 Most of the endocrine glands decrease their secretions with age, but normal
aging usually does not lead to serious hormone deficiencies or illness. Unless
specific pathological conditions develop, the endocrine system usually
continues to function adequately in old age.
3 Decreases in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone cause a
decrease in the basal metabolic rate and may result in decreased energy. The
decrease in secretion is normal with aging.
4 Low parathyroid hormone is not a common cause of tiredness.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
4. 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?
1. The patient had surgery for a goiter.
2. The patient is being treated for diabetes mellitus.
3. The patient has elevated thyroid hormones.
4. The patient is diagnosed with a posterior pituitary tumor
ANS: 3
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: List data to collect when caring for a patient with a disorder of the endocrine
system.
Page: 796
Heading: Thyroid Gland
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physical Integrity—Reduction of Risk Potential
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 The finding that the patient had surgery for a goiter will not alone change the
nurse’s process of physical examination.
2 The finding that the patient is being treated for diabetes mellitus will not
change the nurse’s process of physical examination.
3 Elevated thyroid hormones are indicative of a hyperactive thyroid gland. The
nurse will not assist the health care provider (HCP) during thyroid
examination. The HCP will avoid palpating the thyroid to avoid stimulation.
4 Because the nurse would be unable to perform a physical examination on the
posterior pituitary gland, this finding alone is not going to change the nurse’s
process of physical examination.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
5. The HCP prescribes a 24-hour urine specimen for cortisol. The patient is incontinent. Which
method will the nurse use to collect the specimen?
1. Place the patient on a bedpan every half hour during the test.
2. Obtain an order for an indwelling catheter for the duration of the test.
, 3. Review the use of the nurse call light and have the patient indicate a need to void.
4. Place a bedside commode in a position to enable the patient to make a safe
transfer.
ANS: 2
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: Plan nursing care for patients undergoing testing for an endocrine disorder.
Page: 780
Heading: Adrenal Cortex
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment—Safety and Infection Control
Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)
Concept: Patient-Centered Care
Difficulty: Moderate
Feedback
1 Placing the patient on a bedpan every half hour is not going assure that all urine
is collected; the patient may have continuous incontinence.
2 If the patient is incontinent or otherwise unable to participate in the test, a
catheter may need to be inserted. If the patient already has an indwelling
catheter, a new bag and tubing should be attached before the start of the test.
3 Reviewing the use of the call light may not be effective. The patient may or
may not be able to determine the need to void or may not be able to wait for
help without voiding.
4 There is not enough information to determine if the patient is able to use a
bedside commode safely. Functional incontinence would not support this
method of collection.
PTS: 1 CON: Patient-Centered Care
6. 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?
1. Significant increase in urinary output
2. Notable increase in blood pressure
3. Physical indications of dehydration
4. Severe blood loss associated with injury
ANS: 2
Chapter: Chapter 38. Endocrine System Function and Assessment
Objective: List data to collect when caring for a patient with a disorder of the endocrine
system.
Page: 790
Heading: Posterior Pituitary Gland
Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-Solving Process (Nursing Process)
Client Need: Physiological Integrity—Physiological Adaptation
Cognitive Level: Analysis (Analyzing)
Concept: Metabolism
Difficulty: Difficult
Feedback
