Chapter 47: Assessment of Endocrine system

The parathyroid glands are

four small, oval structures usually arranged in pairs behind each thyroid lobe. they secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH)

insulin is

An anabolic hormone secreted by the pancreas it is the principal regulator of the metabolism and storage of ingested carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Calcitonin is a hormone made by

C cells of the thyroid gland in response to high circulating calcium levels

Which skin condition would the nurse expect to assess in a patient diagnosed with Addison's disease?

Darkened skin on the knuckles, elbows, and palmar creases

which hormone declines in menopause and results in an increased risk for arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis?

Estrogen

Which instructions would the nurse tell a patient who is having an ultrasound of the thyroid gland?

Inform the patient that a gel and transducer will be used over the neck. the test will last 15 minutes

what is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones?

Iodine

glucagon is

a catabolic hormone, increases blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and ketogenesis

Which hormone level would the nurse expect to be elevated in response to a low serum cortisol level?

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) a negative feedback mechanism controls cortisol secretion. The release of corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus stimulates the secretion of ACTH by the anterior pituitary. ACTH stimualtes the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids

Which hormone is essential for the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance?

aldosterone

Which hormone level requires a patient to maintain a supine position for two hours before a prescribed blood sample is collected?

aldosterone before assesswing aldosterone hormone levels, the nurse should instruct the patient to lie in a supine position for at least two hours before obtaining the blood sample. This ensures the assessment of accurate levels of aldosterone.

which hormone may be altered if a patient has dehydration and polyuria?

antidiuretic hormone (ADH) ADH decreases urine production by causing the renal tubules to reabsorb water from the urine and return it to the circulating blood. Polyuria is excessive urination, which might indicate an alteration in this hormone.

Which intervention is performed to assess a bruit in a patient who has a visible mass in the anterior neck?

auscultate the lateral lobes of an enlarged thyroid gland with a stethoscope bell to identify bruit. a soft swishing sound may indicate a goiter or hyperthyroidism.

which cells of the islets of langerhans secrete insulin and amylin?

b-cells are responsible for producing and secreting insulin and amylin.

What does cortisol help regulate?

blood glucose concentration inhibit inflammatory action support the stress response

The provider was unable to preserve the parathyroid glands during a radical thyroidectomy. Which laboratory value should the nurse diligently monitor?

calcium levels the parathyroid gland plays a key role in maintaining calcium levels.

Which laboratory value would be affected if the parathyroid glands are removed during surgery?

calcium levels the parathyroid gland plays a key role in maintaining calcium levels.

Which diet would the nurse suggest to a patient with low levels of parathormone in the blood and who is experiencing frequent muscle spasms in the extremities?

calcium-rich diet Hypoparathyroidism, or low levels of parathormone, may lead to tetany in the patient. Tetany manifests as muscle spasms in the extremities at irregular intervals. Tetany may occur due to low levels of calcium. Parathormone reguluates calcium levels in the blood.

Which substance acts as the precursor for steroid hormone synthesis?

cholesterol steroid hormones are generally synthesized from cholesterol in the gonads and adrenal glands.

which hormone level would the nurse expect to be elevated in the laboratory report of a patient with severe burns?

cortisol a glucocorticoid that protects the body from stress; it is also called a stress hormone. Cortisol helps to maintain vascular integrity and fluid volume; cortisol levels are increased in patients with burns, infections, fevers, and acute anxiety

A patient has a total serum calcium level of 3 mg/dL (1.5 mEq/L). If this finding reflects hypoparathyroidism, the nurse would expect further diagnostic testing to reveal

decreased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level normal serum calcium levels are 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL.

Which assessment finding would the nurse document that correlates with condition of hypoparathyroidism?

decreased skin pigmentation

Endocrine dysfunction may result from

deficient or excess hormone secretion, transport abnormalities, an inability of the target tissue to respond to a hormone or inappropriate stimulation of the target-tissue receptor

which finding would then nurse assess in a patient admitted with Addison's diease?

"Bronze" skin tone Addison's disease is characterized by hyperpigmentation or "bronzing" of the skin in parts of the body such as the knuckles, elbows, and knees

The nurse is teaching a patient who is scheduled for an oral glucose tolerance test. Which statement indicates further teaching is required?

"The results of this test will show my blood sugar control over the last 3 months." Glycosylated hemoglobin measures the amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin over the past 3 months, not an oral glucose tolerance test. An oral glucose tolerance test requires NPO for 8-12 hrs prior.

A patient is referred for an insulin tolerance test. What care must the nurse take when preparing the patient for the test? Select all that apply.

- establish IV access for frequent sampling - ensure the patient is fasting for 10 to 12 hours - keep ready 50% dextrose and 5% dextrose IV solution

which range would be considered normal for thyroglobulin in females?

0.5 to 43 ng/mL

Which symptoms might be explained by use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements: Select all that apply.

1. Insomnia 2. headache 3. high blood pressure 4. hair loss from the head due to the increased estrogen and testosterone levels. DHEA can cause acne, oily skin, and fatigue.

Which interventions would the nurse perform when preparing a patient for a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)? Select all that apply

1. assess the patient for allergies 2. instruct the patient to drink plenty of fluids for 24-48 hours. 3. inform the patient that radionuclide will be eliminated in 6 to 24 hours.

which findings would the nurse assess in a patient with cushing syndrome? select all that apply

1. facial fullness 2. periorbital edema 3. excessive facial hair Cushing syndrome is caused by increased cortisol secretion.

The nurse is reviewing the chart of a patient tentatively diagnosed with pheochromocytomas. Which subjective data reported by the patient supports this diagnosis? select all that apply

1. headache 2. heart palpitations 3. difficulty breathing all are manifestations of pheochromocytomas.

when providing care to a patient with a tumor located on the anterior pituitary gland, which of the patient's hormones will the nurse expect will be affected?

1. prolactin 2. thyrotropin 3. somatotropin

which hormone decreases glucagon secretion in a patient?

Amylin

which cells of the islets of langerhans produce a hormone that influences a patient's metabolism of absorbed nutrients?

F cells also known as pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells, secrete a hormone called pancreatic polypeptide. This hormone influences the absorption in the digestive tract and regulates the metabolism of absorbed nutrients.

The patient reports feeling tired, gaining weight, and increasing cold sensitivity even though it is now summer. Which endocrine diagnostic test should be completed first?

Free thyroxine (FT4) the patient's manifestation could be related to hypothyroidism. FT4 is a better indicator of thyroid funtion than total T4 and should be done to evaluate the patient for hypothyroidism

which finding would the nurse assess in a patient with hypothyroidism?

Goiter A goiter is a common clinical manifestation of hypothyroidism caused by the thyroid's compensatory enlargement to try to produce and secrete more thyroid hormone.

Which test would the nurse prepare a patient who has been prescribed to undergo a diagnostic procedure to determine the severity of thyroid dysfunction?

Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) RAIU measures the thyroid functioning in terms of its activity

nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is caused by which pathophysiologic mechanism?

The kidneys do not respond normally to vasopressin and continue to remove too much fluid from the bloodstream Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus occurs when the kidneys do not respond normally to vasopressin and remove too much fluid from the bloodstream.

which hormone helps maintain water balance in a patient's body?

antidiuretic hormone this hormone acts on the renal tubules and promotes the reabsorption of water. It prevents the formation of large volumes of urine and also prevents large losses of fluid through the excretion of diluted urine.

parathyroid hormone (PTH)

regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in blood and bones

When teaching a patient about a urine study for free cortisol, what is most important for the nurse to tell the patient?

try to avoid stressful situations during the collection period, A urine study for free cortisol requires 24-hour urine collection. Avoid stressful situations and excessive physical exerciswe because these could unduly increase cortisol levels.

A patient's recent medical history is indicative of diabetes insipidus. The nurse would anticipate teaching the patient about which diagnostic test?

water deprivation test A water deprivation test is used to diagnosis if polyuria is related to diabetes insipidus.

During an assessment, the nurse palpates the thyroid gland. which finding does this indicate in an older adult?

this is a normal finding in the elderly. gerontologic changes that occur to the thyroid gland include increase in nodularity and an increased incidence of hypothyroidism, both of which would make the gland more easily palpated.

which hormone acts on all of the body tissues?

thyroid hormone

All cells in the body are believed to have intracellular receptors for

thyroid hormone there are two types of receptors: those that are within the cell (steroid, thyroid hormone receptors) and those that are on the cell membrane (water-soluble hormone receptors). Thyroid hormone receptors are found inside the cell. because these hormones are lipid soluble, they pass through the target cell membrane by passive diffusion and bind to receptor sites found in the cytoplasm or nucleus of the target cell

Which laboratory findings can be observed in a patient with hair loss and decreased skin pigmentation?

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 15 the normal levels of TSH in the body are 2 to 10. Hair loss and decreased skin pigmentation are clinical manifestatios of hypothyroidism.

Hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary are referred to as

tropic hormones because they regulate the secretion of hormones by other glands

Which assessment parameter has highest priority when caring for a patient undergoing a water deprivation test?

weight a patient is at risk for severe dehydration during a water deprivation test. The test should be discontinued, and the patient rehydrated if the patient's weight drops more than 2 kg at any time.

Which finding would the nurse assess in a patient who has hypothyroidism?

weight gain hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Low thyroid hormone levels cause low metabolism and result in weight gain.

which hormone regulates fluid volume in the renal tubules?

ADH antidiuretic hormone stimulated by plasma osmolarity; it plays a major role in regulating fluid volume and stimulates reabsorption of water in the renal tubules.

Which hormone levels would the nurse monitor in a patient with impaired adrenal cortex functioning? select all the apply

Androgen glucocorticoids mineralocorticoids ^^all are secreted by the adrenal cortex

Diagnostic studies of endocrine system

lab test usually involve blood and urine testing. they may include direct measurement or indirect.

Aldosterone is a potent mineralocorticoid that

maintains extracellular fluid volume.

Which intervention would the nurse perform when collecting a serum cortisol test?

mark the time of blood draw on the slip cortisol has diurnal variation; levels are higher in the morning than in the evening.

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

regulates fluid volume by stimulating reabsorption of water in the kidneys

which organ is targeted by the hormone produced by the parathyroid glands?

Kidneys the parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which targets the bone, intestinal, and kidney tissues.

the nurse would educate a patient who has skin depigmentation in various areas about which hormone?

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) MSH helps to increase melanin secretion, which results in darkening of the skin.

which symptoms would the nurse assess for in a female patient presenting prolactinoma?

Acne Amenorrhea Galactorrhea Low bone destiny Painful intercourse Excessive body and facial hair a female patient presenting with prolactinoma, which causes a decrease in estrogen production results in all of the above.

The nurse reviews a patient's medical record and identifies that the patient is at risk for hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias. This determination is made based on the patient's history of what?

Pheochromocytoma affects cardiac muscle activity and results in hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmiasx, such as atrial fibrillation and tachycardia

A patient is referred for a non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for radiologic evaluation of the pituitary gland. Which pre-procedure teaching would the nurse provide to the patient? Select all that apply.

- explain that the test is noninvasive - assure the patient that the test is painless - inform the patient of the need to lie still during the procedure

Which information would the nurse provide to a patient who is undergoing a CT scan using an IC contrast medium for evaluating the size of a tumor in the pituitary gland? select all the apply

1. you may need both oral and IV contrast 2. you must lie still during the procedure 3. i will test your renal function before the procedure the nurse must inform the patient that he or she may need to both drink an oral contrast medium as well as have an IV injection of a contrast medium. It is important the patient lay motionless during the entire procedure. It is vital to test the renal function of the patient to check for possibility of the patient deveolping renal failure after the procedure.

The nurse performs a physical assessment on patient with a possible endocrine problem. The patient's weight was 142 lbs 6 months ago compared with a current weight of 125 lbs. What percent weight change will the nurse document in the patient's health record?

12% weight loss

which hormones are released by the adrenal medulla?

1. epinephrine 2. norepinephrine 3. dopamine

Abnormal findings during an endocrine assessment include (select all that apply)

1. excess faical hair on a woman (Hirsutism may occur with Cushing syndrome or prolactinoma (a pituitary tumor)) 2. hyperpigmentated coloration in lower legs (particularly in skinfolds and creases)(may indicate Addison's disease (increased secretion of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, or acanthosis nigricans))

when inspecting the thyroid gland

1. observe in normal position (with side lighting) 2. observe slightly extended 3. observe while pt swallows a sip of water

which hormones act on a patient's mammary glands?

1. oxytocin (stimulates milk ejection from breasts of lactating women and stimulates the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles in the uterus) 2. prolactin (is a lactogenic hormone that is responsible for the secretion of milk in lactating women.

The nurse reviews a patient's medical record and notes that the morning cortisol levels are 27 mcg/dL and that the patient has experienced a steady weight gain. The nurse anticipates what other assessment findings? Select all that apply.

1. truncal obesity 2. thin extremities 3. purple abdominal striae normal cortisol levels are 5 to 23 mcg/dL. 27 indicates hypercortisolism.

A patient reports weight loss, increased appetite, chest pain, and hair loss and is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which additional findings would the nurse assess in this patient? select all that apply

1. warm, smooth, moist skin 2. elevated BP 3. tachycardia Hyperthyroidism occurs due to the hypersecretion of thyroid hormone, resulting in an increased basal metabolic rate, which can cause signs and symptoms such as the above.

which statement correctly illustrates the concept of the negative feedback system for control of serum cortisol?

A decreased secretion of ACTH when serum cortisol is increased. the releationship between cortisol and ACTH relies on negative feedback. The increased blood cortisol level suppresses ACTH release. Low blood levels of cortisol stimulate the pituitary gland to release ACTH, which acts on the adrenals to secrete cortisol and thereby increase blood cortisol levels.

Which total thyroxine (t4) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels would indicate hypothyroidism?

50 nmol/L; 5pmol/L The normal levels of total thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (FT4) are 59-142 nmol/L and 10 to 35 pmol/L

An older adult patient is scheduled to have a CT scan with IV contrast. The nurse would assess which laboratory finding prior to the test?

renal function before administering the contrast injection to an older adult patient, renal function should be measured by evaluating the creatinine level. Older patients with renal dysfunction are more susceptible to renal failure with the use of a contrast medium.

which hormone is assocated with fostering growth of the adrenal cortex?

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Which hormone stimulates milk secretion in a postpartum patient?

oxytocin oxytocin targets the mammary glands in postpartum patients and stimulates milk secretion.

which gland has both endocrine and exocrine functions?

pancreas only organ in the human body that has both

Which assessment data obtained by the nurse indicates the results may be altered in a metanephrine? Select all that apply.

"I consume alcohol occasionally" "I have used levodopa for two months" "I perform vigorous exercise in the mornings" Metanephrine study for screening pheochromocytoma is more accurate than urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and catecholamine measurements. All of the above may artificially increase the metanephrine levels, thus altering the test results.

which assessment findings would the nurse anticipate documenting when caring for a patient with hypercortisolism?select all that apply.

- truncal obesity - thin extremities - purple abdominal striae hypercortisolism is characterized by an increase in the cortisol levels. Long-term exposure to cortisol may result in truncal obesity, thin extremities, and purple abdominal striae.

A patient reports weight loss, increased appetite, chest pain, and hair loss and is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which additional findings would the nurse assess in this patient? Select all that apply

- warm, smooth, moist skin - elevated BP - tachycardia hyperthyroidism occurs due to the hyersecretion of thyroid hormone, resulting in an increased basal metabolic rate, which can cause signs and symptoms such as those above.

which hormone synthesis is inhibited by a serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L and a serum sodium level of 145 mEq/L?

aldosterone mineralocorticoids are essential to maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Conditions such as low levels of potassium and high levels of sodium inhibit the synthesis of aldosterone, which leads to fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

The hypothalamus secretes releasing hormones and inhibiting hormones. what is the target tissue of these releasing hormones and inhibiting hormones?

anterior pituitary

The nurse is caring for a patient after a thyroidectomy. Which assessment findings would indicate the presence of possible hypoparathyroidism?

muslce spasms and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes

the hypothalamus and pituitary gland integrate communication between

nervous and endocrine system, forming a neuroendocrine system

the nurse identifies that a patient may have ineffective uterine contractions during labor based on low levels of which hormone?

oxytocin

Which phase of the menstrual cycle or postmenopausal phase is predominant in a woman with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level that is 6.17 to 17.2 mU/mL?

Ovulatory phase normal levels of FSH during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle are 6.17 to 17.2 mU/mL. In the luteal phase, FSH is 1.09 to 9.2 mU/mL, whereas the follicular phase FSH is 1.37 to 9.9 mU/mL. For women in the postmenopausal phase, the FSH range is 19.3 to 100.6 mU/mL.

Which hormone is to be likely to be released when here is a decrease in serum Ca+ levels?

Parathormone (PTH) PTH is the principle hormone produced by the parathyroid glands. PTH regulates calcium by enhancing the release of calcium from bone stores, stimulating reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys, and enhancing absorption of calcium in the intestine by increasing the production of activated vitamin D. Imbalances of PTH may cause impaired absorption and a decrease in blood calcium levels.

A patient is seeking care because of a loss of 25 lbs over the past 6 months during which the patient claims to have made no significant dietary changes. What potential problem should the nurse assess the patient for?

Thyroid disorders hyperthyroidism is associated with weight loss

A patient complains about symptoms that include unexplained weight gain, a puffy face, dry skin, and lethargy. Which abnormal assessment would help guide the patient's treatment?

abnormal thyroxine levels hypothyroidism refers to an abnormal decrease in the levels of thyroxine associated with signs such as unexplained weight gain, a puffy face, dry skin, and lethargy.

A patient is receiving radiation therapy for cancer of the kidney. The nurse monitors the patient for signs and symptoms of damage to the

adrenal glands the adrenal glandsw are small, paired, highly vascularized glands found on the upper part of each kidney. Radiation therapy of the kidney may damage the adrenal glands

which principle of glucagon administration would be included when teaching parents of a patient with type 1 diabetes about its use in case of severe hypoglycemia?

call 911 before injecting the glucagon

Oxytocin stimulates

ejection of milk into mammary ducts and contraction of uterine smooth muscle.

When obtaining subjective data from a patient during assessment of the endocrine system, the nurse asks specifically about

energy level the nurse should ask about energy levels and compare with the patient's past energy level. Fatigue and hyperactivity are two common problems assocaited with endocrine problems

which hormone deficency would the nurse expect to find in the diagnostic report of a female patient with abnormal breast development?

estrogen estrogen deficiency can lead to abnormal female breast development because it promotes female secondary sex trait development.

which finding would the nurse assess in a patient with hyperthyroidism?

exophthalmos a condition in which the eyeballs protrude from the orbits. Exophthalmos occurs in hyperthyroidism due to accumulation of fluid in the eye and the retroorbital tissue.

The nurse is caring for a group of older patients in a long-term care setting. Which physical assessment findings would indicate a possible endocrine problem?

fatigue, constipation, and mental impairment changes of aging often mimic manifestations of endocrine disorders

the regulation of hormone levels in the blood depends on a highly specialized mechanism called

feedback

The pancreas secretes several hormones including

glucagon and insulin

The adrenal cortex secretes several steroid hormones including:

glucocorticoids mineralocorticoids androgens

A patient skin is thick, leathery, and oily. Complains of decreased libido and amenorrhea x6 months. Fasting glucose is 120mg/dL as measured by finger stick. What is causing this?

growth hormone excess

An appropriate technique to use during physical assessment of the thyroid gland is

having the patient swallow water during inspection and palpation of the gland

Which organ in a patient secretes atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) hormone?

heart the heart secretes the ANP hormone in the body.

The Chvostek's sign is a diagnostic tool that is used to assess for which electrolyte disturbance?

hypocalcemia Chvostek's sign is a diagnositc tool that is used to assess for tetany, a sign of hypocalcemia. This is an important assessment with patients who may have hypoparathyroidism

Which complication should the nurse monitor for in a patient undergoing a growth hormone stimulation test?

hypoglycemia a growth hormone stimulation test involves the administration of insulin or arginine (agent that stimulates insulin secretion). Therefore the nurse should monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) helps

in the growth and function of the thyroid gland

with positive feedback,

increasing hormone levels cause another gland to release a hormone that then stimulates further release of the first hormone.

which statement describes how to conduct the test for trousseau's sign?

inflate a BP cuff above the antecubital space for three to five minutes Trousseau's sign is a diagnostic tool that is used to assess for tetany, a sign of hypocalcemia. This is an important assessment when the nurse is dealing with patients in an endocrine clinic, especially those that may have hypoparathyroidism.

A characteristic common to all hormones is that they

influence cellular activity of specific target tissues A hormone is a chemical substance synthesized and secreted by a specific organ or tissue. Most hormones have common characteristics, including (1) secretion in small amounts at variable but predictable rates, (2) circulation through the blood, and (3) binding to specific cell receptors in the cell membrane or within the cell.

which hormone is secreted by an increased blood glucose level?

insulin the principal regulator of metabolism and storage of ingested carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. An increased blood glucose level is the major stimuli for the synthesis and secretion of insulin.

which function of the hormone calcitonin is correct?

it regulates calcium balance calcitonin regulates calcium balance in response to high-circulating calcium levels in the blood. it increases the calcium storage in the bone and inhibits the transfer of calcium from the bones to the blood.

which hormone is responsible for an increased in pigmentaton on facial skin due to its increased activity?

melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

Which hormone will be decreased if there is damage to the pineal gland?

melatonin the pineal gland, located in the brain, secretes the hormone melatonin. Damage to this gland leads to altered regulation of melatonin in the patient

T3 and T4 affect what?

metabolic rate carbohydrate lipid metabolism growth and development nervous system activities

which hormone increases bone demineralization?

parathyroid hormone The parathyroid gland secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH) ,which regulates the blood level of calcium. PTH stimulates the transfer of calcium from the bone into the blood. Parathyroid hormone stimulates the renal conversion of vitamin D to its most active form, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3. This active form of vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium and phosphorous by the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately increases bone demineralization.

which gland would a nurse suspect may be causing disturbances in a teenage female patient's menstrual cycle?

pineal gland the pineal gland is located in the brain and is composed of photoreceptive cells. The pineal gland helps regulate circadian rhythms and the reporductive system at the onset of puberty. Abnormalities in the pineal gland functioning may lead to disturbances in the menstrual cycle.

Which gland is most likely to be involved if a patient has a major injury at the sella turcica under the hypothalamus?

pituitary the pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica under the hypothalamus. An injury at that site can damage the pituitary gland.

The nurse interviews a patient with a history of type 2 diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and osteoarthritis who has a fasting blood glucose of 154 mg/dL. Which patient medication may be responsible for the elevated blood glucose level?

prednisone prednisone is a corticosteroid that may cause glucose intolerance in susceptible patients by increasing gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance.

What is the major function of the thyroid gland?

production, storage and release of the thyroid hormones: Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

antidiuretic hormone (ADH) helps to

promote reabsorption of water

Growth hormone (GH) affects

protein, lipid, carbohydrate metabolism (has effects on all body tissues)

The nurse assesses a patient with Cushing syndrome and finds periorbital edema and rounded moon face. Which other assessment would the nurse find that supports the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome?

purplish-red marks on the abdomen signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome are caused by excessive levels of circulating serum cortisol and include periorbital edema; striae (purplish red marks) on chest, abdomen, and buttocks; moon face; and hypertension.

parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps to

regulate calcium and phosphorus in the blood

Which function of parathormone is accurate?

regulation of calcium and phosphorus blood levels

A patient has a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L (152 mmol/L). The normal hormonal response to this situation is

release ADH the most important stimulus of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion is plasma osmolality, which is a measure of solute concentration in circulating blood. Plasma osmolality increases when there is a decrease in extracellular fluid or an increase in solute concentration. The increased plasma osmolality activates osmoreceptors, which are extremly sensitve, specialized neurons in the hypothalamus. These activated osmoreceptors stimulate ADH release. When ADH is release, the renal tubules reabsorb water, which causes urine to be more concentrated.

Which test would the nurse prioritize for a patient with hypoparathyroidism who presents with intermittent, involuntary muscle spasms of the legs and arms?

serum calcium level the intermittent involuntary muscle spasms of the legs and arms indicate severe hypocalcemia, which can occur in patients with hypoparathyroidism.

The adrenal glands are

small, paired, highly vascularized glands found on the upper part of each kidney. It is composed of the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex

Which medication is likely to be prescribed for a patient with hyperaldosteronism?

spironolactone (Aldactone) diuretics such as spironolactone are the first line of treatment for hyperaldosteronism, and they work by increasing production of urine to rid the body of excess sodium and water, which eases the workload of the heart and lowers blood pressure.

luteinizing hormone (LH)

stimulates ovulation in women and secretion of sex hormones in both men and women

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

stimulates secretion of estrogen along with the development of ova in women and sperm in men.

Adrnocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteriods

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

stimulates thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones

Which function of prolactin should the nurse include in a teaching session for a patient who is newly pregnant?

stimulation of milk production

Endocrine disorders often go unrecognized in the older adult because

symptoms are often attributed to aging

A male patient states, " I am not able to grow a beard or moustache." Which hormonal imbalance may lead to this type of problem?

testosterone is the male sexual hormone that helps in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breads and moustaches. A lack of this hormone in males, coupled with other factors, may interfere with the developmental of secondary sexual characteristics.

the adrenal medulla secretes

the catecholamines: epinephrine (major hormone), norepinephrine dopamine

Which example demonstrates the positive feedback mechanism?

the female ovarian hormone estradiol operates by this mechanism.

With negative feedback,

the gland responds by increasing or decreasing the secretion of a hormone based on feedback from various factors

pineal gland secretes

the hormone melatonin and helps regulate circadian rhythm and reproduction

which feature does both growth hormone (GH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have in common?

they are secreted by the anterior pituitary