Question 1

The master gland of the endocrine system is the

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland, located in the brain, is the master gland of the endocrine system. It has been called the "master gland" because through the negative feedback system it exerts its control over the other endocrine glands.

Question 2

A patient, age 61, has had type II diabetes for 20 years. He has symmetrical peripheral polyneuropathy of his feet and legs with almost total loss of sensitivity to touch and temperature. He also has peripheral vascular disease evidenced by decreased peripheral pulses and dependent rubor. To prevent injury and infection to this patient's feet and legs, which instruction does the nurse include in teaching?

Accepted Answer

Sturdy, properly fitting shoes should be worn.

Question 3

The physician prescribes glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase) for a patient, age 57, when diet and exercise have not been able to control her type 2 diabetes. Which information does the nurse include when teaching her about the glyburide?

Accepted Answer

Oral hypoglycemics are compounds that stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to increase insulin release.

Question 4

The primary clinical manifestation of hyperparathyroidism is

Accepted Answer

Hyperparathyroidism involves overactivity of the parathyroid glands, with increased production of parathormone. The primary clinical manifestation is hypercalcemia. This occurs as calcium leaves the bones and accumulates in the blood stream.

Question 5

Hypothyroidism is treated with replacement therapy. The patient should be instructed to eat well-balanced meals including intake of iodine. Which food is rich in iodine?

Accepted Answer

The hypothyroid diet should be adequate in intake of iodine, in foods such as saltwater fish, milk, and eggs; fluids should be increased to help prevent constipation.

Question 6

The three major life-threatening complications postoperatively of a thyroidectomy are: (Select all that apply)

Accepted Answer

The nurse must be alert for signs of internal or external bleeding. In addition to hemorrhage, two significant postoperative complications exist after thyroidectomy. The first is tetany. The second is thyroid crisis. Manipulation of the thyroid during surgery may cause the release of large amounts of thyroid hormones into the blood stream, creating a thyroid crisis (storm).

Question 7

Common early signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include

Accepted Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms include dry mucous membranes and drowsiness leading to coma.

Question 8

A patient, age 28, has sought medical attention because her hands and feet have become enlarged. She also has noticed amenorrhea and increased hair growth. These symptoms most likely indicate problems with the

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland may produce an overabundance of growth hormone. This overproduction of hormones may cause changes throughout the patient's body, including enlargement of the pituitary gland and hands and feet. Female patients may develop a deepened voice, increased facial hair growth, and amenorrhea.

Question 9

Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Hypoglycemic reaction: rapid shallow respirations, irritability, tremors, personality changes, and may lose consciousness.

Question 10

A patient has type 1 diabetes (IDDM). The nurse is teaching her early signs and symptoms of insulin reaction, which include

Accepted Answer

The patient should be instructed to notify a member of the nursing staff if any signs of hypoglycemic (low insulin) reaction occur: excessive perspiration or trembling.

Question 11

To prevent lipodystrophy, the nurse should administer insulin

Accepted Answer

In fact, it is now believed that insulin should be administered at room temperature, not straight from the refrigerator, to help prevent insulin lipodystrophy.

Question 12

A 47-year-old patient with hypothyroidism is being given discharge instructions that should include

Accepted Answer

Regular checkups are essential, because drug dosage may have to be adjusted from time to time.

Question 13

Pregnant women should not be exposed to iodine-131 because of

Accepted Answer

Iodine-131 is not a radiation hazard to the nonpregnant patient but is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnant nurses should not care for this patient for several days.

Question 14

A patient with a history of Graves' disease is admitted to the unit with shortness of breath. The nurse notes the patient's vital signs: T 103° F, P 160, R 24, BP 160/80. The nurse also notes distended neck veins. The nurse suspects the patient has which medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

In a thyroid crisis, all the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are exaggerated. Additionally, the patient may develop nausea, vomiting, severe tachycardia, severe hypertension, and occasionally hyperthermia up to 41° C (106° F). Extreme restlessness, cardiac dysrhythmia, and delirium may also occur. The patient may develop heart failure and may die.

Question 15

Another term for hyperglycemic reaction is ____________ ______________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Another term for hyperglycemic reaction is ____________...

Question 16

One of the side effects of administering calcium gluconate intravenously is

Accepted Answer

The immediate treatment of hypoparathyroid tetany is IV administration of calcium gluconate. Care should be taken that none of the drug escapes the vein and extravasates into the tissues, because sloughing may occur.

Question 17

The adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids. The most important is cortisol. It is involved in: (Select all that apply)

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids: The most important of these is cortisol (involved in glucose metabolism and provides extra reserve energy in times of stress).

Question 18

A 27-year-old patient with hypothyroidism is referred to the dietitian for dietary consultation. Nutritional interventions should include

Accepted Answer

A high-protein, high-fiber, lower calorie diet is given.

Question 19

The nurse is administering long-acting insulin once a day that provides insulin coverage for 24 hours. This insulin is _________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is administering long-acting insulin once...

Question 20

The physician orders an 1,800-calorie diabetic diet and 40 units of (Humulin N) insulin U-100 subcutaneously daily for a patient with diabetes mellitus. A mid-afternoon snack of milk and crackers is given to

Accepted Answer

Humulin N insulin starts to peak in 4 hours. The nurse should be alert for signs of hypoglycemia (a less-than-normal amount of glucose in the blood, usually caused by administration of too much insulin, excessive secretion of insulin by the islet cells of the pancreas, or dietary deficiency) at the peak of action of whatever type of insulin the patient is taking.

Quiz 11: Care of the Patient With an Endocrine Disorder