Question 1

A nurse assesses a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and notes the following findings. Which set of findings should the nurse follow-up immediately?

Accepted Answer

Serum potassium of 2.5 is very low and indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The elevated blood pressure is also a concerning finding in a patient with Cushing's syndrome. The other findings, although abnormal, are not as urgent and can be addressed in a timely manner.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a patient about alterations of the parathyroid glands. Which of these patient comments is a reliable indicator that the patient has the correct understanding of the effect of hyperparathyroidism on the patient's body? Select all that apply.  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Correct. Hyperparathyroidism can cause the kidneys to retain calcium and excrete phosphorus, leading to hypercalcemia.
B) Correct. Hyperparathyroidism causes bones to release calcium and phosphorus, leading to weak bones and osteoporosis.
C) Correct. High calcium levels due to hyperparathyroidism can lead to the deposition of calcium in soft tissues, such as the kidneys, pancreas, and heart.
D) Correct. Hyperparathyroidism increases the risk of developing kidney stones due to high calcium levels in the blood. 
E) Incorrect. Hyperparathyroidism does not affect the kidneys' ability to retain potassium or raise blood pH.

Question 3

A nurse should recognize that a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is at risk for developing which of the following?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive cortisol levels, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, fluid retention, and hypertension. This can result in auscultatory lung crackles, jugular vein distention, and peripheral edema due to fluid overload. Hypotension is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome.

Question 4

The nurse is teaching a patient who has a diagnosis of hypothyroidism about the importance of dietary fiber. The nurse realizes the patient understands teaching when the patient states which of the following? Select all that apply.  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Drinking a full glass of water with a fiber supplement is important to help prevent constipation and ensure the fiber moves through the digestive system properly. B) Choosing popcorn over potato chips is a healthier choice because popcorn is a whole grain that provides more dietary fiber, which can help with the constipation often associated with hypothyroidism. C) is incorrect because taking a fiber supplement at the same time as levothyroxine can interfere with the absorption of the medication. D) Increasing protein intake does not directly relate to the importance of dietary fiber. E) Choosing foods based on high carbohydrate content does not necessarily ensure increased fiber intake, as not all carbohydrates are high in fiber.

Question 5

The nurse is assessing a patient's understanding of teaching regarding the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. The nurse knows further teaching is needed when the patient states, "The primary healthcare provider can determine I have hyperparathyroidism when

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is assessing a patient's understanding...

Question 6

The nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about risk factors for Cushing's syndrome. The nurse knows further teaching is required when the students identify which of the following patients as being at risk for Cushing's syndrome? The patient who

Accepted Answer

Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is not associated with an increased risk of Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, which can occur with long-term use of corticosteroid medications (often used in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplant, and certain cancers).

Question 7

A nurse is conducting an educational class for older adults regarding the use of thyroid hormone replacement. The nurse knows further teaching is needed when the participants state, "Older adults may be at risk for too much thyroid medication in their blood because they

Accepted Answer

The correct statement indicating further teaching is needed is that older adults may have too many lipids in their blood that can displace the medication from serum albumin. This is not a primary concern with thyroid medication dosing in older adults. The other options (B, C, D) correctly identify factors that can affect medication levels in older adults, such as decreased albumin levels, kidney function alterations, and risks associated with polypharmacy.

Question 8

The nurse is screening a group of patients for risk factors related to thyroid cancer. The nurse realizes that which of the following patients is at the highest risk for developing thyroid cancer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is screening a group of...

Question 9

A patient is scheduled to start taking prednisone (Dexasone). A nurse should teach the patient to observe for side effects that include which of the following?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can have several potential side effects. Fat deposits in the abdominal and clavicle regions can occur with prolonged use of prednisone, so patients should be monitored for any changes in body shape. Muscle weakness and wasting in the extremities can also occur, and patients should be advised to report any new onset of weakness or difficulty with mobility. Delayed wound healing can occur due to the immune suppression caused by prednisone, so patients should be advised to monitor any wounds for signs of infection or delayed healing. Varicose leg veins and hypotension are not typically associated with prednisone use.

Question 10

Which of these measures, if included in the care plan for a patient who has hypoparathyroidism, would be most effective in addressing the most prevalent electrolyte abnormality associated with this health alteration?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Hypoparathyroidism commonly leads to hypocalcemia. Administering calcium tablets helps address low calcium levels, and monitoring ECG is crucial when giving IV calcium to patients on digitalis due to the risk of cardiac complications.

Question 11

The nurse is teaching a patient diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism secondary to renal failure about the patient's new prescription for cinacalcet (Sensipar). The nurse knows the patient understands teaching regarding the medication when the patient states, "This medication works by

Accepted Answer

Cinacalcet works by increasing the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptors of the parathyroid gland to serum calcium, resulting in decreased secretion of parathyroid hormone and ultimately lowering serum calcium levels. It does not block calcium receptors in the nervous or musculoskeletal system, decrease calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules, or bind calcium to bile salts.

Question 12

A nurse notes that a patient who has hypoparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 6.8 mg/dL. This finding would help substantiate a nursing diagnosis of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Hypoparathyroidism leads to decreased levels of parathyroid hormone which in turn leads to decreased calcium levels in the blood. A serum calcium level of 6.8 mg/dL is below the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL), indicating the presence of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures which can increase the risk for injury. Therefore, the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Injury would be the most appropriate in this case. Chronic Confusion, Risk for Ineffective Renal Perfusion, and Impaired Gas Exchange are not directly related to hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism.

Question 13

The nurse is assessing a patient with hyperparathyroidism who recently received a new prescription for Lanoxin (digoxin). Which of these manifestations would indicate the patient is experiencing an adverse effect related to the use of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Disturbed color vision is a known adverse effect of digoxin and is an indication for the healthcare provider to reassess the patient's dosage or discontinue the medication if necessary. Agitation, metallic taste in the mouth, and seizure activity are not typical adverse effects of Lanoxin (digoxin) and should prompt the healthcare provider to investigate other potential causes.

Question 14

When assessing a patient who has chronic hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex the nurse should determine whether the patient has which of these manifestations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When assessing a patient who has chronic...

Question 15

The nurse is assessing a patient and reviewing the patient's diagnostic data. The nurse understands that which of the following data are likely associated with the diagnosis of hypothyroidism?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is assessing a patient and...

Question 16

A nurse hears a colleague including all of the following statements when providing teaching to a patient with Cushing's syndrome regarding increased risk for infection. Which one would require the nurse to intervene? "Cushing's syndrome increases the risk of infection because

Accepted Answer

Epidermal hypertrophy actually increases macrophage activity, so this statement is incorrect and requires correction by the nurse. The other statements are accurate regarding the increased risk of infection in Cushing's syndrome.

Question 17

The nurse has given the patient instructions regarding the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Which of these statements if made by the patient would indicate that the patient has the correct understanding of instructions? "I need to tell my healthcare provider if I experience  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse has given the patient instructions...

Question 18

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a home care patient who has hyperparathyroidism and a serum calcium level of 12.0 mg/dL. Which of the following measures should be included in the plan?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Promoting ambulation and mobility helps to move calcium from the blood into the bones, reducing hypercalcemia. B) Thiazide diuretics can increase serum calcium levels; switching to another type of diuretic can help manage hypercalcemia. C) Increasing fluid intake can help prevent kidney stones by diluting the urine and reducing calcium concentration.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a patient with a potential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and a prescription for a 24-hour urine collection. The patient asks the nurse why a 24-hour collection is needed rather than a one-time urine collection. The nurse correctly answers that 24-hour urine tests are more accurate in this situation because of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol levels fluctuate through the day, so a one-time urine collection may not accurately reflect the patient's actual cortisol levels over a 24-hour period. A 24-hour urine collection allows for a more accurate measurement of cortisol levels over a full day.

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient with a non-ACTH-producing adrenal cortex tumor who is scheduled for a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. The nurse knows patient teaching regarding the procedure has been effective when the patient states,

Accepted Answer

Removing the adrenal gland with the tumor is the treatment for a non-ACTH producing adrenal cortex tumor. The other options are not accurate for this type of tumor.

Quiz 19: Nursing Care of Patients with Endocrine Disorders

A nurse assesses a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and notes the following findings. Which set of findings should the nurse follow-up immediately?

A nurse is teaching a patient about alterations of the parathyroid glands. Which of these patient comments is a reliable indicator that the patient has the correct understanding of the effect of hyperparathyroidism on the patient's body? Select all that apply. Select all that apply.

A nurse should recognize that a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is at risk for developing which of the following? Select all that apply.

The nurse is teaching a patient who has a diagnosis of hypothyroidism about the importance of dietary fiber. The nurse realizes the patient understands teaching when the patient states which of the following? Select all that apply. Select all that apply.

The nurse is assessing a patient's understanding of teaching regarding the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. The nurse knows further teaching is needed when the patient states, "The primary healthcare provider can determine I have hyperparathyroidism when

The nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about risk factors for Cushing's syndrome. The nurse knows further teaching is required when the students identify which of the following patients as being at risk for Cushing's syndrome? The patient who

A nurse is conducting an educational class for older adults regarding the use of thyroid hormone replacement. The nurse knows further teaching is needed when the participants state, "Older adults may be at risk for too much thyroid medication in their blood because they

The nurse is screening a group of patients for risk factors related to thyroid cancer. The nurse realizes that which of the following patients is at the highest risk for developing thyroid cancer?

A patient is scheduled to start taking prednisone (Dexasone) . A nurse should teach the patient to observe for side effects that include which of the following? Select all that apply.

Which of these measures, if included in the care plan for a patient who has hypoparathyroidism, would be most effective in addressing the most prevalent electrolyte abnormality associated with this health alteration? Select all that apply.

The nurse is teaching a patient diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism secondary to renal failure about the patient's new prescription for cinacalcet (Sensipar) . The nurse knows the patient understands teaching regarding the medication when the patient states, "This medication works by

A nurse notes that a patient who has hypoparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 6.8 mg/dL. This finding would help substantiate a nursing diagnosis of which of the following?

The nurse is assessing a patient with hyperparathyroidism who recently received a new prescription for Lanoxin (digoxin) . Which of these manifestations would indicate the patient is experiencing an adverse effect related to the use of this medication?

When assessing a patient who has chronic hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex the nurse should determine whether the patient has which of these manifestations?

The nurse is assessing a patient and reviewing the patient's diagnostic data. The nurse understands that which of the following data are likely associated with the diagnosis of hypothyroidism? Select all that apply.

A nurse hears a colleague including all of the following statements when providing teaching to a patient with Cushing's syndrome regarding increased risk for infection. Which one would require the nurse to intervene? "Cushing's syndrome increases the risk of infection because

The nurse has given the patient instructions regarding the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. Which of these statements if made by the patient would indicate that the patient has the correct understanding of instructions? "I need to tell my healthcare provider if I experience Select all that apply.

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a home care patient who has hyperparathyroidism and a serum calcium level of 12.0 mg/dL. Which of the following measures should be included in the plan? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a patient with a non-ACTH-producing adrenal cortex tumor who is scheduled for a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. The nurse knows patient teaching regarding the procedure has been effective when the patient states,