Pathophysiology - Quiz #5 Practice Questions

During a near-miss accident while cycling, a client marvels at how fast he was able to react. He attributes this to his "fight or flight" response but then wonders why it lasts for only a short period. The client had a short burst of catecholamine activity because catecholamines are:

rapidly degraded by enzymes in circulation and at the tissue.

A client's low serum T4 level has led to a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. When planning this client's care, the nurse should:

teach the client about the safe and effective use of synthetic thyroid hormones.

The nurse is caring for a client with a hormonal disorder that is widely affecting many body systems. The nurse recognizes that which form of hormone signalling pathway is most likely involved in the client's disorder?

Endocrine

A client with a history of cancer that metastasized to the liver has arrived at the outpatient clinic to have a paracentesis performed. The physician anticipates that the client will have more than 5 L of fluid removed. The physician has prescribed intravenous albumin following the procedure. The client asks why she needs "more fluids in my vein." The nurse responds:

"Albumin is a volume expander. Since a lot of fluid was removed, you have a decrease in your vascular volume, so without this albumin, your kidneys will try to reabsorb and hold onto water."

The nurse is teaching a client how to collect a 24-hour urine sample for cortisol levels. The client asks why a blood sample cannot just be taken since collecting urine for 24-hours is inconvenient. How should the nurse respond?

"Because cortisol levels fluctuate, collecting a sample over time will be more accurate."

The nurse is caring for a female client with cholelithiasis. When teaching the client about the disease, the nurse includes which of these points?

"Gallstones have developed, which are typically composed of cholesterol."

A hospital client with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes has been administered a scheduled dose of regular insulin. Which effect will result from the action of insulin?

Promotion of glucose uptake by target cells

A middle-aged adult is diagnosed with diverticular disease based on recent history and the results of a computed tomography (CT) scan. Which statement demonstrates an accurate understanding of this diagnosis?

"I suppose I should try to eat a bit more fiber in my diet."

A client is diagnosed with Addison disease. What statement by the client indicates an understanding of the discharge instructions by the nurse?

"I will have to take my medication for the rest of my life."

The mother of a 2-year-old newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes asks why insulin has to be given by injection. The best response by the nurse is:

"Insulin is destroyed by the stomach contents and has to be administered by injection."

Which statement would help a nurse best explain an "incretin effect"?

"It is an increase in insulin release after ingestion of food."

A student is studying the esophagus. Which statement made by this student to a faculty member is a correct one?

"The smooth muscle layers provide the peristaltic movements needed to move food along the length of the esophagus."

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which clinical manifestations are most likely to be seen in this client? Select all that apply.

- Shortness of breath - Tachycardia - Weight loss - Fine muscle tremor

Hyperthyroidism that is inadequately treated can cause a life-threatening condition known as a thyroid storm. What are the manifestations of a thyroid storm? Select all that apply.

- Tachycardia - Delirium - Very high fever

When comparing the endocrine and nervous system functions, the nurse knows that the endocrine system:

- releases hormones into the blood that is transported throughout the body. - glands are widely scattered throughout the body. - takes longer to respond to innervations but has prolonged actions when they arrive.

What is the primary purpose of the mucosal barrier in the gastrointestinal tract?

Protection from acid secretion

Which manifestation indicates a client is at risk for developing diabetes mellitus?

2 hour oral GTT 175 mg/dL (9.7 mmol/L)

How long is the half-life of the hormone aldosterone, which is only 15% protein bound?

25 minutes

Which client should the nurse observe most closely for the signs and symptoms of paralytic ileus?

A client who is first day postoperative following gallbladder surgery

Several hormones, including growth hormone (GH) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), are bound to and carried by which substance?

Proteins

The health care provider is reviewing diurnal variation pattern in adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) levels. Select the typical diurnal variation pattern in adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) levels.

ACTH peaks in the morning and declines throughout the day.

A client with multiple pain-related injuries to the back, knees, and hips is admitted with acute liver failure. Upon procuring a medication list, the nurse notes that the client is taking several over-the-counter medications that contain a preparation known to be the drug that most commonly causes liver failure. Which drug is this?

Acetaminophen

During a thyroid crisis, which medication may increase dissociation of free hormone from the binding proteins, resulting in a worsening effect on the client?

Acetylsalicylic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) performs which role in the functioning of the endocrine system?

Acting as a second messenger to mediate hormone action on target cells

The nurse is assessing a client with thyrotoxicosis and the nurse is explaining how the thyroid gland is stimulated to release thyroid hormones. The nurse should describe what process?

Action of releasing hormones from hypothalamus

Given the fact that acute pancreatitis can result in severe, life-threatening complications, the nurse should be assessing the client for which complication?

Acute tubular necrosis

Select the category of hormones that include norepinephrine and epinephrine

Amines and amino acids

A client has experienced a stroke affecting the reticular formation of the medulla and lower pons. The nurse tells the client's wife that care must be taken with eating to prevent:

Aspiration pneumonia

When hormones act locally rather than being secreted into the bloodstream, their actions are termed:

Autocrine and paracrine

The results of a 44-year-old obese man's recent diagnostic workup have culminated in a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Which pathophysiologic process underlies the client's new diagnosis?

Beta cell exhaustion due to long-standing insulin resistance

The pancreas is an endocrine organ that is composed of the acini and the islets of Langerhans. The islets of Langerhans have alpha, beta, and delta cells as well as the PP cell. Which cells secrete insulin?

Beta cells

To prevent the accumulation of hormones in our bodies, the hormones are constantly being metabolized and excreted. Where are adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones excreted?

Bile and urine

An adult with acromegaly presents with a very distinctive appearance. What is the distinctive feature in a person with acromegaly?

Broad, bulbous nose and a protruding lower jaw

A client tells his health care provider that his body is changing. It used to be normal for his blood glucose to be higher during the latter part of the morning. However, now his fasting blood glucose level is elevated in the early AM (07:00). The health care provider recognizes the client may be experiencing:

Dawn phenomenon

Which statement is true concerning the digestion of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are broken down into monosaccharides before being absorbed.

Which complication of acromegaly can be life threatening?

Cardiac structures increase in size

The nurse is caring for an adult client with growth hormone deficiency. When performing an assessment of this client, which system should the nurse be sure to assess for complications related to this disorder?

Cardiovascular system

What factor determines the classification of hormones into one of four categories?

Chemical structure

A student is studying gallbladder function. Which gastrointestinal hormone stimulates contraction of the gallbladder?

Cholecystokinin

Impaired and delayed healing in a person with diabetes is caused by long-term complications that include:

Chronic neuropathies

The nurse is planning to collect a 24-hour urine sample for hormone assay. In which situation does the nurse collaborate with the health care provider to find an alternate type of testing?

Client has anuria.

The incidence of stomach cancer has significantly decreased in the United States, yet it remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The nurse understands the reason for the high mortality rate in stomach cancer is because of which reason?

Clients have few early symptoms of the disease.

Crohn disease is recognized by sharply demarcated, granulomatous lesions that are surrounded by normal-appearing mucosal tissue. The nurse recognizes these lesions to be defined by which description?

Cobblestone

Gastrointestinal elimination in older adults is often characterized by which common symptom?

Constipation

A client has been diagnosed with a defect in the pyloric sphincter. How will the nurse explain the likely consequence of a dysfunctional pyloric sphincter?

Contents from the small intestine may flow back into the stomach.

After having a very stressful day in pathophysiology class, the student knows that which hormone (secreted by the adrenal cortex) will help decrease the effects of stress?

Cortisol, a glucocorticoid

A nurse reading a sigmoidoscopy report notes that a client was found to have skip lesions. The nurse interprets this as an indication of:

Crohn disease

A nurse is concerned about a client's continual use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Which problematic occurrence is the nurse concerned about?

Damage to the gastric mucosa

The nurse is reviewing the test results of a client who was given thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to evaluate the function of the pituitary gland. The nurse would recognize pituitary dysfunction as:

Decreased TSH levels

A client experiences an increase in cortisol as a result of Cushing disease. Which hormonal responses demonstrate the negative feedback mechanism?

Decreased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

When providing care for the client with pancreatic cancer, the nurse should observe for which of these complications?

Deep vein thrombosis

An adult client presents to the emergency department after an episode of syncope. Blood pressure is low and the pulse is thready and rapid. The client frequently voids large amounts of pale, clear urine. Lung sounds are clear and skin turgor is inelastic. Which endocrine disorder is the likely cause of these manifestations?

Diabetes insipidus

Which aspect of gastrointestinal function is performed by the brush border enzymes of the villus structures?

Digestion of carbohydrates

Which type of imaging is preferred to evaluate the bone density of a client with hyperparathyroidism?

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan

The common bile duct and the pancreatic duct release their products into which section of the intestines?

Duodenum

The common bile duct opens into which part of the gastrointestinal tract?

Duodenum

An adult client with a possible growth hormone (GH)-secreting tumor is undergoing testing. If a glucose load is given, which response by the body would confirm the client has a GH-secreting tumor?

Elevated GH level after a glucose load

A nurse examines the laboratory values of a client in heart failure. Which value indicates a compensatory hormone mechanism?

Elevated atrial natriuretic hormone

Which manifestation would the nurse observe when assessing a client diagnosed with a benign secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla?

Elevated catecholamine levels and tachycardia

The endocrine system is closely linked with the nervous system. Which neurotransmitter can also act as a hormone?

Epinephrine

Which hormones exert paracrine action?

Estrogen and Progesterone

Which pathophysiologic phenomenon may result in a diagnosis of Cushing disease?

Excess ACTH production by a pituitary tumor

A 23-year-old man is admitted to the hospital. He is experiencing polyphagia, polyuria, and polydipsia. He states that the condition has come on very suddenly. This client is likely to require what treatment?

Exogenous insulin injections

A nurse on a medical unit is providing care for a 37-year-old female client who has a diagnosis of Graves disease. Which assessments should the nurse prioritize?

Eye health and visual acuity

The swallowing reflex is an entirely voluntary activity.

False

The nurse is caring for a client with hepatitis and jaundice. The nurse recognizes that without sufficient circulating bile salts the client will have intolerance to which ingested substance?

Fats

The family of a client in the hospital with diabetes mellitus that is out of control asks the nurse to explain the client's recent weight loss while eating more than usual. How will the nurse respond?

Glucose is unused without insulin, so body fats are used for energy.

Which test can the nurse prepare the client for to determine the differentiation between a benign and malignant thyroid disease?

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy

A nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with Crohn disease about potential complications. The most appropriate information for the nurse to include would be:

Fistula formation

A client is seeking treatment for infertility. What decrease in hormone secretion from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that regulates fertility would the nurse recognize may cause this issue?

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Which hormone is secreted based on a cyclic rather than a diurnal manner?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A client is experiencing reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. The nurse determines that the problem may result from:

Gastroesophageal sphincter

A hypernatremic client is researching his condition and learns that aldosterone binds to an intracellular receptor. What do intracellular receptors generally stimulate in a cell?

Gene expression

A client with diabetes will be undergoing an evaluation of the fluctuation of blood glucose over the previous 120-day span. Which test will this client undergo?

Glycosylated hemoglobin

A client is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and begins to follow a nutritional plan at home. What result at the follow-up visit indicates a successful outcome?

Glycosylated hemoglobin 5.2% (0.52)

Abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by TSH-receptor antibodies is implicated in cases of:

Graves disease

An 11-year-old boy has poorly controlled type 1 diabetes. In addition to assessing for complications of hyperglycemia, the nurse should assess for which developmental abnormality?

Growth retardation

When the assessment of thyroid autoantibodies is performed, what is the suspected diagnosis?

Hashimoto thyroiditis

The nurse is caring for a client with diabetes. Which of these findings is cause for concern, leading the nurse to initiate client education?

Hemoglobin A1C level is 8.7%.

Select the most appropriate statement that describes the function of hormones.

Hormones function as modulators of cellular and systematic responses.

When caring for the client with acute pancreatitis, which alterations does the nurse recognize is consistent with the disease?

Hyperglycemia

The nurse is caring for the client with pancreatic cancer. The nurse monitors the client for which complication?

Hyperglycemia due to inability to synthesize insulin

Which manifestation in a client with Addison disease results from negative feedback?

Hyperpigmentation

A major manifestation of Cushing syndrome includes which of the following?

Hypokalemia

A health care provider is assessing a client for a potential endocrine disorder. Assessment findings identify abnormalities with emotion, pain, and body temperature. Which mechanism of endocrine control will require further laboratory/diagnostic assessment?

Hypothalamus

An infant whose mother had myxedema during the pregnancy has failed to meet standards for growth and is developmentally delayed. Which hormonal imbalance is this child exhibiting?

Hypothyroidism

The nurse is caring for the client with hepatocellular carcinoma. What does the nurse recognize is a cause of this disease?

Illness with hepatitis B or C

The health care provider has completed the assessment on a client with jaundice. The provider determines that which pathophysiologic abnormality could cause the jaundice?

Impaired uptake of bilirubin by the liver

When the nurse is performing a health history for a client who is being admitted for hyperthyroidism, what symptom does the client report that the nurse would find associated with this disorder?

Increase in appetite

A client is admitted to the medical surgical unit with a history of inflammatory bowel disease. The nurse knows that the clinical manifestations of both Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are the result of activation of which cells?

Inflammatory

Crohn disease is treated by several measures. Treatment with sulfasalazine will focus on which aspect of this disease?

Inflammatory suppression

A client presents for follow-up with ongoing treatment for peptic ulcer disease. What is the most likely goal of this client's pharmacologic treatment?

Inhibiting gastric acid production

A hormone has been synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of an endocrine cell after which it has moved into the Golgi complex, been packaged in a vesicle, and been released into circulation. Which hormone is synthesized and released in this manner?

Insulin

A client is prescribed erythromycin for an infection. What manifestations will the nurse recognize that indicate the onset of drug-induced cholestasis?

Jaundice and pruritus

Diabetics are at higher risk than are the majority of the population for injury to organ systems in the body. Which organs are most at risk?

Kidneys and eyes

A client develops hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery. Which hormonal imbalance caused this complication?

Lack of parathyroid hormone

The nurse is teaching a client about surgical treatments available for chronic viral hepatitis. Which of these is appropriate for the nurse to relate?

Liver transplant

While teaching a science class, the instructor mentions that both autocrine and paracrine hormonal actions occur without entering the bloodstream. A student asks, "What cells do paracrine actions affect?" Which response is correct?

Local

Crohn disease not only affects adults but also can occur in children. The nurse assesses for which major manifestation in children with Crohn disease?

Malnutrition

Which factor contributes to an infant developing macrosomia (large body size)?

Maternal diabetes

Which treatment regimen is most likely to result in stable blood glucose levels for a client with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes?

Monitor blood glucose levels throughout the day and administer exogenous insulin replacement as needed

A nurse is teaching a client about the difference between digestion and absorption. Which action should the nurse describe as absorption?

Moving nutrients from the external environment of the GI tract into the internal environment

An overweight, 14-year-old boy feels tired all the time. He sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day and has a voracious appetite but no energy to burn off the calories. He has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism brought about by the accumulation of a nonpitting mucosal edema. For which life-threatening condition should his care team be prepared?

Myxedema coma

A client is admitted with an intestinal obstruction with abdominal bloating. Which type of treatment does the nurse know will help decompress the bowel?

Nasogastric tube to suction

What is the most common mechanism of hormone control?

Negative feedback

While teaching a family member about the development of hepatic encephalopathy, which cause is likely to be mentioned?

Neurotoxin accumulation

An adult client with suspected hypothyroidism is scheduled for a thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test to evaluate pituitary response. Which test results would confirm secondary hypothyroidism?

No increase in TSH

Peptic ulcers can affect one or all layers of the stomach or duodenum. Ulcers that penetrate through the muscularis layer are classified as which type of ulcer?

Perforation

The newborn nursery nurse is preparing to perform a required neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism. What should the nurse do to obtain the necessary sample?

Perform a heel stick to obtain a drop of blood for a T4 and TSH.

The swallowing reflex is an ordered sequence of events. In which phase is the epiglottis moved so that it covers the larynx?

Pharyngeal phase

Which structure controls the functions of the greatest number of target glands and cells?

Pituitary gland

A client receives steroids for several months to treat an inflammatory condition. Which action by the primary health care provider indicates an understanding of the negative feedback mechanism when the client no longer needs the medication?

Prescribing a tapering dose of the medication over weeks

As part of maintaining homeostasis, why are hormones, secreted by endocrine cells, continuously inactivated?

Prevent accumulation

A client in liver failure asks, "How does the liver process ammonia in healthy individuals?" Which explanation from the health care provider explains the mechanism how ammonia is removed from the blood by the liver?

Processes ammonia into urea, releasing it into the circulation

An anatomy student explains that the funnel-shaped portion of the stomach that connects with the intestine is called which region?

Pyloric region

The circular layer of smooth muscle that lies between the stomach and the small intestine is called:

Pyloric sphincter

A nurse is completing an abdominal assessment on a client suspected to have appendicitis. When the nurse applies and then releases pressure in the client's right lower quadrant, the client experiences tenderness. The nurse is documenting the presence of:

Rebound tenderness

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving exogenous corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis. Recognizing that hormone levels are regulated by negative feedback, which laboratory test result does the nurse anticipate uncovering when reviewing the medical record?

Reduction in ACTH

The nurse is performing a physical assessment of the gastrointestinal tract. In which area does the nurse place the hands for palpation of the liver?

Right upper quadrant

Rotavirus is most severe in children under 24 months of age. What is a typical symptom of rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus is most severe in children under 24 months of age. What is a typical symptom of rotavirus infection?

The nurse knows that the client with which complication of diabetes has the greatest risk for the development of foot ulcers?

Sensory neuropathy

A parent arrives in the endocrinology clinic with her 8-year-old son, concerned about his rapid development and tall stature. What significant assessment finding does the nurse recognize is important to report to the physician related to the development of precocious puberty?

Significant genital enlargement

A nurse explains to her client that food is moved along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with intermittent contractions that mix the food and move it along. These movements are found in which organ?

Small intestine

Which meal choice is most likely to exacerbate an individual's celiac disease?

Spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread

A client with a gastrointestinal disorder is having the number and quality of stool monitored by the nursing staff. The nurse notes an abnormal amount of fatty substances in the stool sample. Which term should the nurse use when documenting this assessment finding in the medical record?

Steatorrhea

The results of a client's 24-hour stool specimen indicate 20 g or more of fat. The nurse would interpret this as:

Steatorrhea

Which clinical manifestation would lead the nurse to suspect the client has malabsorption syndrome with a deficiency in fat absorption?

Steatorrhea

The production of chyme occurs in which organ?

Stomach

A client has been diagnosed with an incompetent pyloric sphincter. The nurse educating the client mentions that this is due to abnormal communication between which components of the gastrointestinal tract?

Stomach and duodenum

A client who has been taking 80 mg of prednisone, a glucocorticoid, each day has been warned by his primary care provider to carefully follow a plan for the gradual reduction of the dose rather than stopping the drug suddenly. What is the rationale for this directive?

Stopping the drug suddenly may cause acute adrenal insufficiency.

The client who has experienced third-degree burns is susceptible to which specific type of gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration?

Stress

Which carbohydrate is matched to its correct enzyme needed for digestion?

Sucrose and sucrase

The nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with Graves disease who has ophthalmopathy. What should the nurse be sure to include in the instructions to decrease exacerbation of this clinical manifestation?

The client should be strongly urged not to smoke.

The nurse is providing education for a client diagnosed with hypothyroidism. What information about diet should the nurse be sure to include in this information?

The client should maintain a low cholesterol diet.

A client with a systemic infection has been given strong doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics for a period of 10 days. The infection recedes and he is taken off the antibiotic therapy. Two days later he presents with a Clostridium difficile infection. How should the nurse best interpret this situation?

The client's antibiotics disrupted the microbial balance and allowed overgrowth.

A busy 45-year-old female executive has been diagnosed with diverticulitis. Her primary treatment is an increase in the fiber content of her diet. What effect will the fiber have on the diverticula?

The fiber increases bulk, promotes regular defecation, and increases colonic contents and colon diameter, thereby decreasing intraluminal pressure.

Which statement describes peristalsis in the esophagus?

The hormone gastrin increases constriction of the lower esophageal sphincter.

When describing to a client newly diagnosed with diabetes how insulin is regulated, the nurse will draw upon her knowledge of which hormonal regulation mechanism?

The hypothalamic-pituitary-target cell system

A child is born with dwarfism to normal-sized parents. The nurse is explaining how growth hormone (GH) plays a central role in the increase in stature that characterizes childhood and adolescence. What is the first step in the growth hormone chain of events?

The hypothalamus secretes GH-releasing hormone.

The nurse is taking a health history from a client with acromegaly. The client informs the nurse that he is waking up several times a night and has been told he has sleep apnea. What does the nurse inform the client is the rationale for this syndrome?

There is an increase in pharyngeal soft tissue accumulation.

Which statement is true concerning gastric enterocytes?

They secrete enzymes that aid in digestion of proteins.

Helicobacter pylori proteobacteria cause peptic ulceration by producing which substance that interferes with local protection of gastric acid?

Toxins

Which substance is broken down by the emulsification process?

Triglycerides

The health care provider is assessing a new client who is reporting nonintentional weight loss. The provider should consider which potential diagnosis?

Type II DM

Both prehepatic and post-hepatic causes of portal hypertension include the formation of which abnormality?

Venous thrombosis

Biopsy results reveal that a client has a deficient amount of parietal (oxyntic) cells in his stomach. The client asks the nurse to explain what this means. The nurse explains that parietal cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor, which is needed for absorption of:

Vitamin B12

When assessing the client during the icteric phase of viral hepatitis, which of these findings does the nurse anticipate observing?

Yellow-tinged sclera

A rare condition caused by gastrin-secreting tumors most commonly found in the small intestine or pancreas is called:

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

While reviewing the colonic absorption and role of flora in the GI system, the instructor will stress that the large intestine contains:

a complex microbial system that contains hundreds of different species.

Paracrine action involves which characteristic?

act locally on cells other than those that produce the hormone

A client experiences an increase in thyroid hormone as a result of a thyroid tumor. Which hormonal response demonstrates the negative feedback mechanism?

decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A client with hyperthyroidism is being treated with medication that blocks the activity of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Her care team has determined that she has been overproducing TSH. This client will have lost her ability to:

have negative feedback regulation.

The nurse assesses a client in the emergency department with reports of abdominal pain. Which assessment finding will the nurse interpret as supporting appendicitis?

increased pain when pressure to the lower right quandrant is released

The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a client with type 1 diabetes. Which finding(s) best support that the client may be experiencing DKA?

increased respiratory rate and decreased blood pressure

middle-aged female client has been diagnosed with a thyroid condition. The nurse educates the client about the prescription and needed follow-up lab work, which will help regulate the dosage. The client asks, "Why do I not return to the clinic for weeks, since I am starting the medication tomorrow morning?" The nurse bases the answer on the knowledge that thyroid hormones:

may take days for the full effect to occur, based on the mechanism of action.

A client is not able to absorb vitamin B12. The nurse determines that the client is deficient in:

parietal (oxyntic) cells, which secrete HCl and intrinsic factor.

An older adult client presents with a perforation of a peptic ulcer. The nurse will monitor for signs and symptoms of which priority complication?

peritonitis

A client who has been diagnosed with acute symptomatic viral hepatitis is now in the icterus period. The nurse would expect the client to manifest:

severe pruritus and liver tenderness.

Villi are anatomic features that contribute to the enlarged surface area of the:

small intestine

A 68-year-old man who has smoked for at least 50 years reports that lately he feels as though food is "getting stuck" in his throat. At first this was a problem just with dry food, but now his morning oatmeal is getting stuck. On questioning, he reports drinking at least five alcoholic beverages nearly every day. His problem is most likely:

squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

A client is admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of strangulated bowel. The nurse anticipates the client will need:

surgery to release the bowel.

In major athletic competition, athletes are required to submit to liquid chromatography testing looking for:

use of performance-enhancing agents to increase the chances of winning.

A client is scheduled for a suppression test as part of the diagnostic testing for his suspected endocrine disorder. The results of this test will help the care team determine:

whether the client is producing excessive hormone levels.

A student identifies enterocytes on a microscope slide of tissue. The student explains that these cells secrete:

Brush border enzymes

A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents to the emergency department with the following symptoms: early satiety, feeling of epigastric fullness and heaviness after meals, weight loss, and vomiting. The nurse suspects that the peptic ulcer has caused which problem?

Obstruction

The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is Graves disease. When assessing this client, the nurse should put priority on which sign/symptom?

Ophthalmopathy

The nurse is teaching a client who has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism about the function of the thyroid. Which statement about the role of the thyroid gland is most accurate?

The thyroid gland is responsible for increasing the metabolic rate.

When explaining acute pancreatitis to a newly diagnosed client, the nurse will emphasize that the pathogenesis begins with an inflammatory process whereby:

activated pancreatic enzymes escape into surrounding tissues, causing autodigestion of pancreatic tissue.

Which enzyme is secreted by the small intestine to facilitate the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins?

brush border enzyme

Gastrin production, a task that is performed by the stomach, results in which effect?

Stimulation of gastric acid secretion by parietal cells

A client has received an injection containing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and is now being assessed for serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Which type of diagnostic testing is this client undergoing?

Stimulation testing