EXAM 3 ENDOCRINE

Which of the following clients is at risk for developing thyrotoxicosis?

1. A client with hypothyroidism 2. A client with Graves' disease who is having surgery 3. A client with diabetes mellitus scheduled for debridement of a foot ulcer 4. A client with diabetes insipidus scheduled for an invasive diagnostic test rationale Thyrotoxicosis is usually seen in clients with Graves' disease with the symptoms precipitated by a major stressor. This complication typically occurs during periods of severe physiological or psychological stress such as trauma, sepsis, the birth process, or major surgery. It also must be recognized as a potential complication following a thyroidectomy.

A nurse working on an endocrine nursing unit understands that which correct concept is used in planning care?

1. Clients with Cushing's syndrome are likely to experience episodic hypotension. 2. Clients with hyperthyroidism must be monitored for weight gain. 3. Clients who have diabetes insipidus should be assessed for fluid excess. 4. Clients who have hyperparathyroidism should be protected against falls. rationale Hyperparathyroidism is a disease that involves excess secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Elevation of PTH causes excess calcium to be removed from the bones. There is a decline in bone mass, which may cause a fracture if a fall occurs. Cushing's syndrome is likely to cause hypertension. Clients with hypothyroidism must be monitored for weight gain and clients with hyperthyroidism must be monitored for weight loss. Clients who have diabetes insipidus should be assessed for fluid deficit.

After several diagnostic tests, a client is diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. The nurse understands that which symptom is indicative of this disorder?

1. Diarrhea 2. Polydipsia 3. Weight gain 4. Blurred vision rationale Polydipsia and polyuria are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus. The urine is pale in color, and its specific gravity is low. Anorexia and weight loss occur. Diarrhea, weight loss, and blurred vision are not manifestations of the disorder.

Following hypophysectomy, a client complains of being very thirsty and having to urinate frequently. The initial nursing action is to:

1. Document the complaints. 2. Increase fluid intake. 3. Check the urine specific gravity. 4. Check for urinary glucose. rationale Following hypophysectomy, diabetes insipidus can occur temporarily because of antidiuretic hormone deficiency. This deficiency is related to surgical manipulation. The nurse should check the urine for specific gravity and report the results if they are less than 1.005. Urinary glucose and diabetes mellitus is not a concern here. In this situation, increasing fluid intake would require a health care provider's prescription. The client's complaint would be documented but not as an initial action.

A nursing student notes in the medical record that a client with Cushing's syndrome is experiencing body image disturbances. The need for additional education regarding this problem is identified when the nursing student suggests which nursing intervention?

1. Encouraging the client's expression of feelings 2. Evaluating the client's understanding of the disease process 3. Encouraging family members to share their feelings about the disease process 4. Evaluating the client's understanding that the body changes need to be dealt with rationale Evaluating the client's understanding that the body changes that occur in this disorder need to be dealt with is an inappropriate nursing intervention. This option does not address the client's feelings. Options 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate because they address the client and family feelings regarding the disorder.

A nurse is caring for a postoperative parathyroidectomy client. Which of the following would require the nurse's immediate attention?

1. Incisional pain 2. Laryngeal stridor 3. Difficulty voiding 4. Abdominal cramps rationale During the postoperative period, the nurse carefully observes the client for signs of hemorrhage, which cause swelling and the compression of adjacent tissue. Laryngeal stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration and expiration that is caused by the compression of the trachea and that leads to respiratory distress. It is an acute emergency situation that requires immediate attention to avoid the complete obstruction of the airway.

A nursing instructor asks a student to describe the pathophysiology that occurs in Cushing's disease. Which statement by the student indicates an accurate understanding of this disorder?

1. "Cushing's disease is characterized by an oversecretion of insulin." 2. "Cushing's disease is characterized by an oversecretion of glucocorticoid hormones." 3. "Cushing's disease is characterized by an undersecretion of corticotropic hormones." 4. "Cushing's disease is characterized by an undersecretion of glucocorticoid hormones." rationale Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an oversecretion of glucocorticoid hormones. Addison's disease is characterized by the failure of the adrenal cortex to produce and secrete adrenocortical hormones. Options 1 and 4 are inaccurate regarding Cushing's syndrome.

A client with Cushing's syndrome verbalizes concern to the nurse regarding the appearance of the buffalo hump that has developed. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

1. "Don't be concerned, this problem can be covered with clothing." 2. "This is permanent, but looks are deceiving and not that important." 3. "Usually, these physical changes slowly improve following treatment." 4. "Try not to worry about it. There are other things to be concerned about." rationale The client with Cushing's syndrome should be reassured that most physical changes resolve with treatment. Options 1, 2, and 4 are not therapeutic responses.

A nurse is reviewing discharge teaching with a client who has Cushing's syndrome. Which statement by the client indicates that the instructions related to dietary management were understood?

1. "I can eat foods that contain potassium." 2. "I will need to limit the amount of protein in my diet." 3. "I am fortunate that I can eat all the salty foods I enjoy." 4. "I am fortunate that I do not need to follow any special diet." rationale A diet that is low in calories, carbohydrates, and sodium but ample in protein and potassium content is encouraged for a client with Cushing's syndrome. Such a diet promotes weight loss, the reduction of edema and hypertension, the control of hypokalemia, and the rebuilding of wasted tissue.

A nurse is reinforcing home care instructions to a client with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. Which statement reflects a need for further client education?

1. "Taking my medications exactly as prescribed is essential." 2. "I need to read the labels on any over-the-counter medications I purchase." 3. "My family needs to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of hypoadrenalism." 4. "I could experience the signs and symptoms of hyperadrenalism because of Cushing's." rationale The client with Cushing's syndrome should be instructed to take the medications exactly as prescribed. The nurse should emphasize the importance of continuing medications, consulting with the health care provider before purchasing any over-the-counter medications, and maintaining regular follow-up care. The nurse should also instruct the client in the signs and symptoms of both hypoadrenalism and hyperadrenalism.

A nurse notes in the medical record that a client with Cushing's syndrome is experiencing fluid overload. Which interventions should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

1. Monitoring daily weight 2. Monitoring intake and output 3. Maintaining a low-potassium diet 4. Monitoring extremities for edema 5. Maintaining a low-sodium diet rationale The client with Cushing's syndrome experiencing fluid overload should be maintained on a high-potassium and low-sodium diet. Decreased sodium intake decreases renal retention of sodium and water. Monitoring weight, intake, output, and extremities for edema are all appropriate interventions for such a nursing diagnosis.

During routine postoperative assessment of a client who has undergone hypophysectomy, the client complains of thirst and frequent urination. Knowing the expected complications of this surgery, the nurse would next check the:

1. Urine specific gravity 2. Serum glucose 3. Respiratory rate 4. Blood pressure rationale Following hypophysectomy, diabetes insipidus can occur temporarily because of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) deficiency. This deficiency is related to surgical manipulation. The nurse should assess specific gravity and notify the registered nurse if the results are less than 1.005. Although options 2, 3, and 4 may be components of the assessment, the nurse would next check urine specific gravity.