EDGE Ch. 40: Endocrine Function

A patient with hypercortisolism is hospitalized after experiencing a fall from orthostatic hypotension. Which additional symptom will be present? a. Decreased bone density b. Decreased blood pressure c. Decreased blood glucose level d. Decreased blood potassium level

d. Decreased blood potassium level

A patient with osteoporosis and a recent fracture asks the nurse what the provider meant by saying it could be caused by hormone deficiency. How should the nurse reply? a. "Growth hormone, when low, can decrease bone density." b. "Luteinizing hormone is important in strengthening the bones." c. "Follicle-stimulating hormone allows for the stimulation of strong bone formation." d. "Adrenocorticotropic hormone acts on the bones, making them stronger."

a. "Growth hormone, when low, can decrease bone density." Rationale: Osteoporosis may result with decreased secretion of growth hormone. This causes decreased bone density. TTT: Consider hormones of hyposecretion.

A nurse is comparing the hormones of the pituitary gland in preparation for care of a patient undergoing a posterior lobe removal. Which hormone is secreted through the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland? a. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) b. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) c. Growth-stimulating hormone (GSH) d. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

a. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Rationale: The posterior lobe of the pituitary is responsible for the hormonal action of ADH. The hormone controls water retention by the kidneys. It also moderates vasoconstricton. TTT: Differentiate between the anterior and posterior pituitary.

he nurse is caring for a patient who has had this gland removed. What hormone imbalance will be experienced? a. Hypoaldosteronism b. Hyperthyroidism c. Hypoparathyroidism d. Hyperpituitarism

a. Hypoaldosteronism Rationale: Aldosterone, glucocorticoids, and catecholamines are secreted by the adrenal gland. TTT: Pay special attention to the location over the kidneys.

Which is true regarding the pituitary gland? Select all that apply. a. The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica. b. The anterior pituitary gland secretes prolactin. c. The posterior pituitary gland synthesizes oxytocin. d. The posterior pituitary gland is responsible for the growth-stimulating hormone (GSH). e. The anterior lobe of the pituitary is called adenohypophysis.

a. The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica. b. The anterior pituitary gland secretes prolactin. e. The anterior lobe of the pituitary is called adenohypophysis. Rationale A: The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica, a depression of the sphenoid bone. Rationale B: The anterior pituitary gland secretes the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the mammary glands for milk production. Rationale E: The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is called adenohypophysis while the posterior lobe is called neurohypophysis. TTT: Remember there are two lobes of the gland.

The laboratory test results of a patient show a significant hyponatremia. What hormone imbalance should the nurse consider as the cause? a. Cortisol b. Aldosterone c. Growth hormone d. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

b. Aldosterone Rationale: Hyponatremia is the condition in which there is a decrease in the level of sodium in the body. A decreased secretion in adrenocorticotropic hormone results in the decrease of the release of the mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (cortisol) from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone deficiency leads to hyponatremia. TTT: Low sodium = Low aldosterone

A patient is admitted with severe dehydration and hypotension. Which hormone, when delivered, increases water reabsorption? a. Oxytocin b. Vasopressin c. Luteinizing hormone d. Adrenocorticotropic hormone

b. Vasopressin Rationale: Vasopressin increases water reabsorption. TTT: Vasopressin is ADH.

After serum testing, it is determined that a patient has a deficiency of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)? What concern should the nurse be aware of? a. Dwarfism b. Osteoporosis c. Circulatory collapse d. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias

c. Circulatory collapse Rationale: The decreased secretion of ACTH would result in decreased glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Therefore, the patient would be unable to maintain an adequate fluid volume status. Such a condition may result in circulatory collapse. TTT: Do not confuse deficiency with excess

The nurse is caring for a patient with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. What should be included in the plan of care? a. Preventing the risk for injury b. Providing a diet rich in calcium c. Increasing the intake of vitamin D d. Maintaining adequate volume of fluid intake

d. Maintaining adequate volume of fluid intake Rationale: Fluid volume deficiency is related to decreased glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid levels, which is related to ACTH deficiency. Maintaining adequate fluid levels in a patient with ACTH deficiency is an important intervention. TTT: A deficiency of ACTH is associated with a decrease in the release of the mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex.

A patient is placed on intravenous oxytocin. What teaching should the nurse provide before beginning the medication? a. Oxytocin will increase water reabsorption. b. Oxytocin will stimulate sperm production. c. Oxytocin will facilitate bone and tissue growth. d. Oxytocin will stimulate uterine contractions in labor.

d. Oxytocin will stimulate uterine contractions in labor. Rationale: Oxytocin is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It stimulates uterine contractions in labor. It also stimulates milk ejection.