Question 1

A patient is demonstrating signs of exophthalmos. What additional finding should the nurse expect to assess in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is often associated with thyroid disorders such as Graves' disease, which can cause an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

Question 2

A patient is having a 17-keosteroid test performed. What statement by the patient indicates that teaching about this test has been effective?

Accepted Answer

The 17-ketosteroid test involves collecting urine over a 24-hour period, and the specimen needs to be kept refrigerated to preserve its integrity. This test does not require fasting, is not used for diagnosing thyroid problems, and does not involve blood drawing.

Question 3

The nurse is assessing a patient with a pituitary disorder. Which finding does the nurse assess for in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Enlargement of the hands and feet (acromegaly) is a common finding in patients with pituitary disorder. Thin, soft hair is a finding in patients with hypothyroidism. Excessive growth of facial hair (hirsutism) is a finding in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Purple striae over the trunk is seen in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Question 4

The nurse is conducting a physical assessment with a patient. Using the diagram (see below), place an "X" over the location on the body where the nurse would assess for Chvostek sign.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is conducting a physical assessment...

Question 5

An older adult patient tells the nurse she is ingesting a fat-soluble vitamin every day to boost her endocrine system. For what age-related change does the nurse recognize the patient is addressing by taking this vitamin?

Accepted Answer

As individuals age, their ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins declines. By taking a fat-soluble vitamin, the patient is attempting to address this age-related change. Lipase production and fat intolerance are not directly related to the endocrine system, and increased resistance to insulin is a separate age-related change that would require a different treatment approach. Indigestion may not necessarily be related to decreased lipase production in all cases.

Question 6

When measuring the blood pressure of a patient with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes spasms of the patient's hand. How should the nurse document this finding?

Accepted Answer

Spasms of the hand in a patient with hypoparathyroidism is a positive Trousseau sign. This sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the patient's systolic pressure for a few minutes, which can cause spasm or twitching of the hand and wrist muscles.

Question 7

The nurse is assessing an older patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What age-related endocrine change should the nurse expect in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Age-related changes can lead to decreased sensitivity to insulin in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a result, they may require higher doses of insulin or other diabetes medications to maintain adequate blood glucose control.

Question 8

A patient is experiencing severe hypertension. The nurse realizes that this finding might indicate a disorder in which endocrine gland?

Accepted Answer

Severe hypertension is a potential symptom of an adrenal gland disorder such as pheochromocytoma or Cushing's syndrome. The adrenal gland produces hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that affect blood pressure regulation.

Question 9

A patient is scheduled for surgery to remove a tumor of the anterior pituitary. The nurse realizes that which hormones will be affected by this surgery?

Accepted Answer

The anterior pituitary gland secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), gonadotropin hormones (FSH and LH), and prolactin. All of these hormones will be affected by the surgery to remove the tumor. Oxytocin, on the other hand, is produced by the posterior pituitary gland and is not affected by this surgery.

Question 10

The nurse is conducting a health assessment interview with a patient. What should the nurse include when assessing the patient's endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The nurse should assess the patient's occupation, use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, lifestyle, exercise and sleep patterns, and alterations in bowel habits to identify any potential problems with the endocrine system.

Question 11

The nurse is conducting a physical assessment with a patient. Which assessment technique should the nurse use to assess the patient's thyroid gland?

Accepted Answer

To assess the thyroid gland, the nurse should stand behind the patient. This position allows the nurse to palpate the thyroid gland effectively by gently displacing the trachea to one side and feeling for the thyroid tissue's size, shape, and consistency.

Question 12

The nurse is beginning the assessment of a patient with an endocrine disorder. What should the nurse include in this assessment?

Accepted Answer

The assessment of a patient with an endocrine disorder should include height and weight (A) to monitor growth and development, skin, hair, and nails (B) for changes indicating hormonal imbalances, deep tendon reflexes (C) to assess neuromuscular function, and the musculoskeletal system (D) for any abnormalities related to endocrine dysfunction. The respiratory system (E) is not typically a primary focus in endocrine assessments.

Question 13

The nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which health assessment interview question should the nurse ask this patient?

Accepted Answer

Dry and rough skin is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a patient with Graves disease. On which laboratory value should the nurse focus for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Graves disease is a condition characterized by hyperthyroidism, meaning the thyroid gland is overproducing thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Monitoring the level of thyroxine can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust medication dosage accordingly. Urine-specific gravity, cortisol, and calcium levels are not directly related to Graves disease.

Question 15

During an endocrine assessment, the nurse asks a patient about changes in weight. For which organs is the nurse assessing function in the patient?

Accepted Answer

The adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands all play significant roles in metabolism and weight regulation. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol that can affect weight. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and the pituitary gland influences other endocrine glands, including the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Question 16

The nurse is conducting a health interview with a female patient. What should the nurse ask this patient that focuses on the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones produced in the endocrine system, specifically the ovaries and the pituitary gland. Asking about the regularity of the menstrual cycle can provide information about the functioning of these hormones and the endocrine system as a whole. The other options do not relate specifically to the endocrine system.

Question 17

A patient has a positive Trousseau sign. For which problem should the nurse plan care for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Trousseau sign is indicative of latent tetany, which is often caused by hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to muscle spasms or cramps, which can be painful. Therefore, planning care for pain management is appropriate for a patient with a positive Trousseau sign.

Question 18

The nurse is assessing an older patient for genetic influences on the endocrine system. What should the nurse ask this patient during the assessment?

Accepted Answer

A, B, and C are correct because they inquire about conditions (diabetes mellitus, obesity, and Hashimoto disease) that can have genetic influences and impact the endocrine system.

Question 19

The nurse is reviewing data collected during a patient's health history. What information would indicate a disorder of the pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

Dwarfism is a condition in which there is insufficient growth hormone secretion, often due to a disorder of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls growth hormone secretion, as well as other hormones that regulate various body functions. Carpal spasms (B) may indicate a deficiency of calcium or magnesium, while an enlarged thyroid nodule (C) may indicate thyroid disease. Hyperpigmentation of the skin (D) may be a sign of adrenal gland dysfunction, but not necessarily a disorder of the pituitary gland.

Question 20

During a focused endocrine assessment, the patient states that her brother has fragile X syndrome. What should the nurse know about this health problem?

Accepted Answer

Fragile X syndrome is an endocrine disorder with a genetic basis.

Quiz 18: Assessing the Endocrine System