Deck 32: Endocrine Disorders and Therapeutic Management

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with complaints of increased lethargy.Serum laboratory values validate the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Which medical intervention would the nurse expect to be ordered for this patient?

A) Extensive hydration
B) Oral hypoglycemic agents
C) Large doses of intravenous (IV) insulin
D) Limiting food and fluids

Answer 1

Extensive hydration

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with a head injury who has developed diabetes insipidus (DI).What medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed for the patient?

A) Vasopressin
B) Insulin
C) Glucagon
D) Propylthiouracil

Answer 2

Vasopressin

Question 3

Which pathophysiologic mechanism occurs in the patient with type 2 diabetes?

A) Lack of insulin production
B) Imbalance between insulin production and use
C) Overproduction of glucose
D) Increased uptake of glucose in the cells

Answer 3

Imbalance between insulin production and use

Question 4

A patient is admitted with extreme fatigue,vomiting,and headache.This patient has type 1 diabetes that has been well controlled with an insulin pump.The patient states,"I know it could not be my diabetes because my pump gives me 24-hour control." Which reply would be the nurse's best response?

A) "You know a lot about your pump, and you are correct."
B) "You're right. This is probably a virus."
C) "We'll get an abdominal CT and see if your pancreas is inflamed."
D) "We'll check your serum blood glucose and ketones."

Question 5

A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).The nurse knows that the dehydration associated with DKA results from which pathophysiologic mechanism?

A) Increased serum osmolality and urea
B) Decreased serum osmolality and hyperglycemia
C) Ketones and potassium shifts
D) Acute renal failure

Question 6

Which pathophysiologic mechanism occurs in the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

A) Massive diuresis, leading to hemoconcentration
B) Dilutional hyponatremia, reducing sodium concentration to critically low levels
C) Hypokalemia from massive diuresis
D) Serum osmolality greater than 350 mOsm/kg

Question 7

Which nursing intervention should be initiated on all patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

A) Placing the patient on an air mattress
B) Forcing fluids
C) Initiating seizure precautions
D) Applying soft restraints

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with type 1 diabetes.The nurse understands that the patient is at risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)secondary to what etiology?

A) Excess insulin administration
B) Inadequate food intake
C) Physiologic and psychologic stress
D) Increased release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 9

The nurse has admitted a patient with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS).Which medical intervention would the nurse expect to see ordered for this patient?

A) Rapid rehydration with intravenous fluids
B) Insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter
C) Administration of high-dose intravenous insulin
D) Hourly monitoring of urine glucose and ketone levels

Question 10

A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)and is experiencing polyuria.Which electrolyte disturbances would the nurse expect to see at this phase of DKA?

A) Decreased calcium and increased phosphorus levels
B) Decreased potassium and sodium levels.
C) Increased sodium and decreased phosphorus levels
D) Decreased calcium and potassium levels.

Question 11

The nurse has admitted a patient with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS).Which findings would the nurse expect to observe in this patient?

A) Hyperglycemia with low serum osmolality
B) Severe hyperglycemia with minimal or absent ketosis
C) Little or no ketosis in serum with rapidly escalating ketonuria
D) Hyperglycemia and ketosis

Question 12

The nursing management plan for a patient with thyrotoxicosis would include which intervention?

A) Providing diversional stimuli
B) Restricting fluids
C) Maintaining a quiet, restful environment
D) Administering thyroid supplements at the same time each day

Question 13

A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).The nurse knows that the lack of insulin results in which process?

A) Decreased glucagon release
B) Decreased glycogenolysis
C) Decreased ketone production
D) Increased gluconeogenesis

Question 14

A patient has been admitted after surgery for removal of a brain tumor.The nurse suspects the patient may be developing diabetes insipidus (DI).Which findings would confirm the nurse's suspicion?

A) Hyperglycemia and hyperosmolarity
B) Hyperglycemia and peripheral edema
C) Intense thirst and passage of excessively large quantities of dilute urine
D) Peripheral edema and pulmonary crackles

Question 15

A patient with a history of type 2 diabetes was admitted after aneurysm repair.The patient's serum glucose levels have been elevated for the past 2 days,and the patient is concerned about becoming dependent on insulin.Which statement is the nurse's best response to the patient's concerns?

A) "This surgery may have damaged your pancreas. We will have to do more evaluation."
B) "Perhaps your diabetes was more serious from the beginning."
C) "You will need to discuss this with your physician."
D) "The stress on your body has temporarily increased your blood sugar levels."

Question 16

A patient weighs 140 kg and is 60 inches tall.The patient's blood sugar is being controlled by glipizide.Which topic would be important for the nurse to include in the patient's discharge education plan?

A) Signs of hyperglycemia
B) Proper injection technique
C) Weight loss
D) Increased caloric intake

Question 17

A patient is admitted after surgery with a history of hyperthyroidism.The nurse suspects the patient may be developing thyroid storm.Which finding would confirm this suspicion?

A) Tachycardia
B) Hypotension
C) Decreased appetite
D) Hypothermia

Question 18

The nurse is caring for a patient with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with complaints of increased lethargy.Serum laboratory values validate the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Which statement best describes the rationale for administrating potassium supplements with the patient's insulin therapy?

A) Potassium replaces losses incurred with diuresis.
B) The patient has been in a long-term malnourished state.
C) Intravenous (IV) potassium renders the infused solution isotonic.
D) Insulin drives the potassium back into the cells.

Question 19

A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).The patient presents with dry,cracked lips and is begging for something to drink.What reply would be the nurse's best response?

A) "We can't give you anything to drink until we get your blood sugar under control."
B) "You can have one cup of coffee without sugar."
C) "You can drink anything you want as long as it's sugar free."
D) "You can drink as much water has you can handle."

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with complaints of increased lethargy.Serum laboratory values validate the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Which symptom is most suggestive of DKA?

A) Irritability
B) Excessive thirst
C) Rapid weight gain
D) Peripheral edema

Question 21

A patient with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS)has a serum glucose level of 400 mg/dL and a serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L.What is the intravenous fluid of choice?

A) D5W
B) 0.45% NS
C) 0.9% NS
D) D5/NS

Question 22

When a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)has insulin infusing intravenously,the nurse expects a drop in the serum levels of which electrolytes?

A) Sodium and potassium
B) Potassium and phosphate
C) Bicarbonate and calcium
D) Sodium and phosphate

Question 23

A patient was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)an hour ago and is on an insulin drip.Suddenly,the nurse notices frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)on the electrocardiogram.The nurse notifies the practitioner.The nurse would anticipate an order for which intervention?

A) A lidocaine bolus
B) Stopping the insulin drip
C) Synchronizing cardioversion
D) Obtaining serum electrolytes

Question 24

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)has an insulin drip infusing,and the nurse has just administered subcutaneous insulin.The nurse is alert for signs of hypoglycemia,which would include what findings?

A) Kussmaul respirations and flushed skin
B) Irritability and paresthesia
C) Abdominal cramps and nausea
D) Hypotension and itching

Question 25

The nurse understands that the onset of seizures in the patient with diabetes insipidus (DI)is indicative of which situation?

A) Increased potassium levels
B) Hyperosmolality
C) Severe dehydration
D) Toxic ammonia levels

Question 26

A patient presents with ketoacidosis and a blood glucose level of 125 mg/dL.Diabetic ketoacidosis has been ruled out.The nurse knows that ketoacidosis can occur in which condition?

A) Acute pancreatitis
B) Drug overdose
C) Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state
D) Hyperaldosteronism

Question 27

A patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).The patient's arterial blood gas indicates the patient has an uncompensated metabolic acidosis.The patient has rapid,regular respirations.Which medical intervention would the nurse expect to initiate to correct the acidosis?

A) Initiate oxygen therapy via a face mask.
B) Administer sodium bicarbonate.
C) Administer insulin and fluids intravenously.
D) Prepare for intubation.

Question 28

A patient has been admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).The nurse knows that the top priority in the initial treatment of DKA is which intervention?

A) Lowering the blood sugar as quickly as possible
B) Administering intravenous fluids
C) Administering sodium bicarbonate
D) Determining the precipitating cause

Question 29

A patient is admitted with severe hyperglycemia.The patient is very lethargic and has a "fruity" odor to his breath.The nurse knows the odor on the patient's breath is indicative of which situation?

A) Alcohol intoxication
B) Lack of sodium bicarbonate
C) Hypokalemia
D) Presence of acetone

Question 30

A patient is presenting with signs of diabetes insipidus (DI).Which findings would confirm this diagnosis?

A) Hyperosmolality and hypernatremia
B) Hyperosmolality and hyponatremia
C) Hypoosmolality and hypernatremia
D) Hypoosmolality and hyponatremia

Question 31

A patient is admitted with a long history of mental illness.The patient's spouse states the patient has been drinking up to 10 gallons of water each day for the past 2 days and refuses to eat.The patient is severely dehydrated and soaked with urine.The nurse suspects the patient has which problem?

A) Central diabetes insipidus (DI)
B) Nephrogenic DI
C) Dipsogenic DI
D) Iatrogenic DI

Question 32

A patient has been admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis,and treatment has been initiated.Which findings would lead the nurse to suspect the patient is dehydrated?

A) Poor skin turgor and flat neck veins
B) Dyspnea and crackles
C) Presence of Chvostek and Trousseau signs
D) Extra heart sounds and 3+ edema

Question 33

A patient in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)is comatose with a temperature of 102.2° F.The nurse suspects the patient may have which secondary disorder?

A) Head injury
B) Hypothalamus infarction
C) Infection
D) Heat stroke

Question 34

A patient with bronchogenic oat cell carcinoma has a drop in urine output.The laboratory reports a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L,a serum osmolality level of 220 mOsm/kg,and urine specific gravity of 1.035.The nurse suspects the patient may be developing what problem?

A) Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA)
B) Diabetes insipidus (DI)
C) Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
D) Hyperaldosteronism

Question 35

A patient has been admitted with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).The nurse knows that intravenous insulin is usually administered at what dosage?

A) 0.1 U/kg/h
B) 1.0 U/kg/h
C) 2.0 U/kg/h
D) 5.0 U/kg/h

Question 36

The nurse is developing a discharge education plan for a patient with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).Which topic should be included in the plan?

A) Measuring intake and output
B) Encouraging fluids
C) A low-sodium diet
D) Hypothermia management

Question 37

An older patient presents with a serum glucose level of 900 mg/dL,hematocrit of 55%,and no serum ketones.Immediate attention must be given to which intervention?

A) Evaluating clotting factors
B) Fluid administration
C) Insulin administration
D) Sodium replacement

Question 38

As a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)receives insulin and fluids,the nurse knows careful assessment must be given to which electrolyte?

A) Potassium
B) Sodium
C) Phosphorus
D) Calcium

Question 39

The nurse knows that during the resuscitation of a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),the intravenous (IV)line should be changed to a solution containing glucose when what happens?

A) Patient becomes more alert
B) IV insulin has been infusing for 4 hours
C) Blood glucose drops to 200 mg/dL
D) Blood glucose drops to 100 mg/dL

Question 40

A patient with type 2 diabetes is admitted.He is very lethargic and hypotensive.A diagnosis of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)is given.Which findings support this diagnosis?

A) Decreased serum glucose and increased serum ketones
B) Increased urine ketones and decreased serum osmolality
C) Increased serum osmolality and increased serum potassium
D) Increased serum osmolality and increased serum glucose

Question 41

A patient was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Glucose is 349 mg/dL,K⁺ is 3.7 mEq/L,and pH is 7.10.Which of the following interventions would you expect?

A) NS 1.5 L IV fluid bolus
B) Insulin infusion at 5 units/h
C) Sodium bicarbonate 50 mmol IV push
D) Vasopressin 10 units IM every 3 hours
E) Potassium 20 mEq/L of IV fluid

Question 42

Patients who have sustained head trauma or have undergone resection of a pituitary tumor have an increased risk of developing which disorder?

A) Type 1 diabetes
B) Thyrotoxicosis
C) Diabetes insipidus
D) Myxedema coma

Question 43

In caring for a patient with a thyrotoxicosis,the nurse would expect to observe which neurologic symptom?

A) Lethargy
B) Depression
C) Seizures
D) Agitation

Question 44

A patient has been diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).The nurse would expect the first line treatment to include which intervention?

A) Fluid restriction
B) Hypotonic intravenous fluid administration
C) Administration of D5W
D) Administration of vasopressin

Question 45

A patient is admitted with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).The nurse understands that the hyponatremia associated with this disorder is the result of which mechanism?

A) Increased cortisol release
B) Excessive water reabsorption
C) Excessive sodium excretion
D) Decreased glucagon release

Question 46

The neuroendocrine stress response produces which findings?

A) Elevated blood pressure
B) Decreased gastric motility
C) Tachycardia
D) Heightened pain awareness
E) Increased glucose

Question 47

Patients discharged with antithyroid medications should be alerted to which potential side effect?

A) Hyperthermia
B) Agranulocytosis
C) Tachypnea
D) Diaphoresis

Question 48

A patient has thyroid storm.The nurse is providing medication instruction for home.The patient asks,"If I have a fever,should I take Tylenol or aspirin?" Which response would be the most appropriate?

A) "Either one is fine because they do not affect the antithyroid medication."
B) "Take Tylenol rather than aspirin because aspirin increases the amount of free thyroid hormone in circulation."
C) "Take aspirin rather than Tylenol because Tylenol increases the amount of free thyroid hormone in circulation."
D) "They both prevent the antithyroid medication from working correctly. I would recommend an NSAID."

Question 49

Which finding is expected in the patient with hypothyroidism?

A) Increased T₄
B) Anemia
C) Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone
D) Hyperglycemia

Question 50

Decreased urine osmolality is a sign of which disorder?

A) Hyperglycemia
B) Diabetes insipidus
C) Thyroid crisis
D) Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

Question 51

The nurse is caring for a patient with myxedema coma.The patient's temperature is 93° F.Which intervention would the nurse include in the plan of care for this patient?

A) Give aggressive therapy that includes warm peritoneal lavage.
B) Allow the patient to maintain this body temperature to decrease oxygen demands.
C) Use warming blankets to slowly warm the patient.
D) Wait until the patient shivers to start warming.

Question 52

A patient has been diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).The nurse is administering hypertonic saline.The nurse knows that the serum sodium should not be raised more than how many milliequivalents per day?

A) 5 mEq/day
B) 10 mEq/day
C) 20 mEq/day
D) 25 mEq/day

Question 53

The nurse is caring for a patient with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).Which findings would confirm this diagnosis?

A) Decreased ADH level and hyperkalemia
B) Decreased ADH level and hypernatremia
C) Increased ADH level and serum ketones
D) Increased ADH level and low serum osmolality

Question 54

Which medication can place a patient at risk for developing syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

A) Adenosine
B) Diltiazem
C) Heparin sodium
D) Acetaminophen