NCLEX Questions: Endocrine System Disorder Quiz!

1. A patient with diabetes mellitus is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Providing the patient with a snack or drink containing sugar.

Administering a rapid-acting insulin injection.

Encouraging the patient to engage in physical activity to increase blood glucose levels.

Administering glucagon to raise the patient's blood sugar levels.

Immediate and frequent glucose monitoring is vital for any patient presenting with symptoms of unstable blood glucose, particularly with hypoglycemia.

Explanation

Immediate and frequent glucose monitoring is vital for any patient presenting with symptoms of unstable blood glucose, particularly with hypoglycemia.

2. A female client has a serum calcium level of 7.2 mg/dl. During the physical examination. What would the nurse expects to assess?

Trousseau’s sign

Homans’ sign

Hegar’s sign

Goodell’s sign

This client’s serum calcium level indicates hypocalcemia. an electrolyte imbalance that causes Trousseau’s sign (carpopedal spasm induced by inflating the blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure). Homans’ sign (pain on dorsiflexion of the foot) indicates deep vein thrombosis. Hegar’s sign (softening of the uterine isthmus) and Goodell’s sign (cervical softening) are probable signs of pregnancy.

Explanation

This client’s serum calcium level indicates hypocalcemia. an electrolyte imbalance that causes Trousseau’s sign (carpopedal spasm induced by inflating the blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure). Homans’ sign (pain on dorsiflexion of the foot) indicates deep vein thrombosis. Hegar’s sign (softening of the uterine isthmus) and Goodell’s sign (cervical softening) are probable signs of pregnancy.

3. A client with hyperthyroidism presents with increased heart rate, weight loss, and heat intolerance. Which intervention is a priority for this client?

Administering levothyroxine to normalize thyroid hormone levels.

Monitoring the client's heart rate and rhythm regularly.

Assisting the client with relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.

Providing a high-calorie diet to prevent further weight loss.

Monitoring the client's heart rate and rhythm regularly is a priority for a client with hyperthyroidism because increased heart rate is a common symptom of this condition. Hyperthyroidism can cause the heart to work harder, leading to potential complications such as arrhythmias or heart failure. Therefore, regular monitoring of the client's heart rate and rhythm is essential to detect any abnormalities and intervene promptly if necessary. Administering levothyroxine, assisting with relaxation techniques, and providing a high-calorie diet may also be important interventions, but they are not the priority in this case.

Explanation

Monitoring the client's heart rate and rhythm regularly is a priority for a client with hyperthyroidism because increased heart rate is a common symptom of this condition. Hyperthyroidism can cause the heart to work harder, leading to potential complications such as arrhythmias or heart failure. Therefore, regular monitoring of the client's heart rate and rhythm is essential to detect any abnormalities and intervene promptly if necessary. Administering levothyroxine, assisting with relaxation techniques, and providing a high-calorie diet may also be important interventions, but they are not the priority in this case.

4. What is the appropriate intervention for SIADH?

Infusing I.V. fluids rapidly as ordered

Encouraging increased oral intake

Restricting fluids

Administering glucose-containing I.V. fluids as ordered

To reduce water retention in a client with the SIADH. the nurse should restrict fluids. Administering fluids by any route would further increase the client’s already heightened fluid load.

Explanation

To reduce water retention in a client with the SIADH. the nurse should restrict fluids. Administering fluids by any route would further increase the client’s already heightened fluid load.

5. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with fruity breath odor, rapid breathing, and confusion. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS)

Hypoglycemia

Diabetic nephropathy

The symptoms of fruity breath odor, rapid breathing, and confusion are indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA occurs when there is a severe lack of insulin in the body, leading to high blood sugar levels and the breakdown of fat for energy. This breakdown of fat produces ketones, which can be detected in the breath as a fruity odor. Rapid breathing, known as Kussmaul respirations, is the body's attempt to eliminate excess acids. Confusion can occur due to the metabolic imbalances caused by DKA. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is a different condition characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels, but it does not typically present with fruity breath odor or rapid breathing. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, which would not cause fruity breath odor or rapid breathing. Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys and would not present with these symptoms.

Explanation

The symptoms of fruity breath odor, rapid breathing, and confusion are indicative of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA occurs when there is a severe lack of insulin in the body, leading to high blood sugar levels and the breakdown of fat for energy. This breakdown of fat produces ketones, which can be detected in the breath as a fruity odor. Rapid breathing, known as Kussmaul respirations, is the body's attempt to eliminate excess acids. Confusion can occur due to the metabolic imbalances caused by DKA. Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is a different condition characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels, but it does not typically present with fruity breath odor or rapid breathing. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, which would not cause fruity breath odor or rapid breathing. Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys and would not present with these symptoms.

6. A client with pheochromocytoma is experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?

Alpha-adrenergic blockers

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Calcium channel blockers

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are given to clients with pheochromocytoma experiencing a hypertensive crisis because they block the effects of excess adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in the body.

Explanation

Beta-blockers are given to clients with pheochromocytoma experiencing a hypertensive crisis because they block the effects of excess adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in the body.

7. Which of the following will a nurse assess for hyperkalemia following unilateral adrenalectomy?

Muscle weakness

Tremors

Diaphoresis

Constipation

In patients with hyperkalemia, vital signs generally are normal. Nonspecific findings can include muscle weakness, fatigue, and depression.

Explanation

In patients with hyperkalemia, vital signs generally are normal. Nonspecific findings can include muscle weakness, fatigue, and depression.

8. A patient with hyperparathyroidism is at risk for developing complications. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client to minimize complications?

Encourage physical activity to promote bone health

Increase dietary intake of calcium-rich foods

Limit exposure to sunlight to prevent vitamin D synthesis

Avoid phosphorus-rich foods in the diet

Encouraging physical activity helps to promote bone health in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Regular exercise can help to strengthen bones and prevent bone loss, which is important for individuals with this condition. It also helps to improve overall health and reduce the risk of other complications associated with hyperparathyroidism.

Explanation

Encouraging physical activity helps to promote bone health in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Regular exercise can help to strengthen bones and prevent bone loss, which is important for individuals with this condition. It also helps to improve overall health and reduce the risk of other complications associated with hyperparathyroidism.

9. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. When should the nurse instruct the client to take the medication?

Anytime during the day, as long as it is taken consistently

Before bedtime to promote better sleep

With a meal to minimize gastrointestinal side effects

In the morning, on an empty stomach

Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is best absorbed on an empty stomach, so taking it in the morning before eating allows for optimal absorption. Taking it consistently at the same time every day helps maintain a steady level of the medication in the body. Taking it before bedtime may interfere with sleep, and taking it with a meal can decrease its absorption and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to take levothyroxine in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Explanation

Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is best absorbed on an empty stomach, so taking it in the morning before eating allows for optimal absorption. Taking it consistently at the same time every day helps maintain a steady level of the medication in the body. Taking it before bedtime may interfere with sleep, and taking it with a meal can decrease its absorption and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to take levothyroxine in the morning, on an empty stomach.

10. A patient with Addison's disease is at risk for an adrenal crisis. Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?

Hyperglycemia and polyuria

Hyperkalemia and muscle weakness

Hypotension and dizziness

Hypothyroidism and weight gain

Hypotension and dizziness in a patient with Addison's disease indicate a potential adrenal crisis, which is a life-threatening condition. Addison's disease is characterized by a deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone, hormones that help regulate blood pressure. Hypotension and dizziness can be signs of low blood pressure, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Immediate nursing intervention is necessary to stabilize the patient's blood pressure and prevent further complications.

Explanation

Hypotension and dizziness in a patient with Addison's disease indicate a potential adrenal crisis, which is a life-threatening condition. Addison's disease is characterized by a deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone, hormones that help regulate blood pressure. Hypotension and dizziness can be signs of low blood pressure, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Immediate nursing intervention is necessary to stabilize the patient's blood pressure and prevent further complications.