Med-Surg Endocrine Quiz

A nurse is caring for a patient with Addison's disease. Which of the following interventions should be included in the care plan? (Select all that apply.)

• Educate about glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

• Assess for skin hyperpigmentation.

• Provide a low-sodium diet.

• Monitor for signs of hypotension.

• Check for hyperkalemia.

Answer explanation

Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone. Monitoring for hypotension, providing a high-sodium diet, checking for hyperkalemia, educating on glucocorticoid replacement, and assessing for skin hyperpigmentation are all appropriate interventions.

Which of the following are potential complications of uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism? (Select all that apply.)

• Pancreatitis

• Tetany

• Hypertension

• Renal calculi

• Osteoporosis

Answer explanation

Rationale: Uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism can lead to elevated calcium levels in the blood, resulting in complications such as osteoporosis (due to calcium being leached from bones), renal calculi (from high calcium levels in the urine), hypertension, and peptic ulcers.

While pancreatitis and tetany are serious conditions, they are more commonly associated with hypocalcemia, not the hypercalcemia seen in hyperparathyroidism.

A nurse is educating a patient with diabetes mellitus type 1 about insulin administration. The nurse knows the teaching is effective when the patient states they should:

• Inject insulin into the same site each time to enhance absorption.

• Only monitor blood glucose levels when experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia.

• Administer insulin even when not eating to prevent ketoacidosis.

• Adjust the insulin dose based on carbohydrate intake and activity level.

Answer explanation

Patients with type 1 diabetes need to adjust their insulin dosage based on their carbohydrate intake and physical activity levels to maintain blood glucose within a target range. This flexibility is crucial to effectively manage their condition and prevent complications.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to find?

• Heat intolerance

• Weight loss

• Bradycardia

• Diarrhea

Answer explanation

Rationale: Hypothyroidism is characterized by a slowed metabolism, which can manifest as bradycardia or a slower than normal heart rate. Other common symptoms include cold intolerance, weight gain, and constipation, opposite of the other options which are more associated with hyperthyroidism.

A nurse is monitoring a patient for signs of Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse report as consistent with Cushing's syndrome?

• Hyperpigmentation

• Hypotension

• Muscle atrophy

• Hypoglycemia

Answer explanation

Rationale: Cushing's syndrome, often caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, can lead to muscle atrophy along with other symptoms like weight gain, particularly in the abdomen and face (moon face), and skin changes. Hyperpigmentation is more associated with Addison's disease, and Cushing's typically presents with hypertension and hyperglycemia, not hypotension and hypoglycemia.