Hormone Reg

Front

A patient is treated for central diabetes insipidus. Which statement by the patient indicates that the treatment is working?

Back

I don't feel as thirsty, and I'm not drinking as much

Answer explanation

A. Treatment of DI should reduce fluid loss in urine. B. One of the symptoms of DI is thirst, so feeling less thirsty indicates that the treatment is effective. C. feeling thirsty is a symptom of DI so this would not show improvement. D. Dehydration is another symptom of DI, so this would not show improvement.

Front

Which of the following patients would the nurse correctly identify as having primary hypothyroidism based on diagnostics? Patient 1: elevated TSH, decreased free T3 and T4; Patient 2: decreased TSH, decreased free T3 and T4; Patient 3: decreased TSH, elevated free T3 and T4; Patient 4: elevated TSH, elevated free T3 and T4

Back

Patient 1: elevated TSH, decreased free T3 and T4

Answer explanation

A. primary hypothyroidism: the thyroid gland itself is not secreting T3 and T4 but pituitary constantly sends out TSH because it is not getting a signal to stop.  B. secondary hypothyroidism: the pituitary is not secreting sufficient TSH, causing less T3 and T4. C. primary hyperthyroidism: thyroid is overactive and hypothalamus is told to decrease TSH because there is enough T3 and T4. D. secondary hyperthyroidism: increase in pituitary TSH secretion which results in excess T3 and T4

Front

A patient has been diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH). Which of the following is the correct approach by the nurse? Restrict fluid intake

Back

Restrict fluid intake

Answer explanation

A. SIADH causes fluid retention so we wouldn’t want to add more fluid. B. It may be necessary to restrict fluid intake because of the fluid retention caused by SIADH. C. We would administer ADH to treat central diabetes insipidus. D. We would want to SLOWLY correct hyponatremia to reduce risk of dangerous complications.

Front

Cushing’s Syndrome, which is caused by a hyperactive adrenal gland, is an example of which type of endocrine dysfunction?

Back

Primary Dysfunction

Answer explanation

Primary dysfunction is caused by the endocrine gland itself, so an issue with the adrenal gland is an example of primary dysfunction. Secondary dysfunction is caused by a problem with the pituitary. Tertiary dysfunction is caused by the hypothalamus. Quaternary dysfunction doesn’t exist. 

Front

Which of the following is the number one cause of adrenal insufficiency? Corticosteroid usage, Radiation therapy, Pituitary tumor, Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland

Back

Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland

Answer explanation

The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency is Addison’s disease which is an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal gland. Although a pituitary tumor is a secondary cause of adrenal insufficiency, it is not the most common cause. Chronic use of corticosteroids can also be a secondary cause of adrenal insufficiency but is not the most common cause. Radiation can lead to adrenal insufficiency but is not the number one cause.

Front

A female patient appears at the clinic complaining that she “looks different.” She states that her face is more rounded than normal, she has abnormal hair growth, and she feels like she gained fat around her back. What condition does the clinician suspect?

Back

Cushing's Disease

Answer explanation

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety and tremors. Symptoms of Addison’s disease include weight loss and hypotension. A more rounded face than normal is called moon facies, abnormal hair growth, and fat around the back is called a buffalo hump, all symptoms of Cushing’s disease. Central diabetes insipidus symptoms include polyuria and thirst.