Endocrine Disorders
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimotos thyroiditis.
When assessing this patient, what sign or symptom would the nurse expect?
A) Fatigue
B) Bulging eyes
C) Palpitations
D) Flushed skin
Ans: A
Feedback:
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include extreme fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, voice huskiness
or hoarseness, menstrual disturbance, and numbness and tingling of the fingers. Bulging eyes,
palpitations, and flushed skin would be signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
2. A patient has been admitted to the post-surgical unit following a thyroidectomy. To promote comfort and
safety, how should the nurse best position the patient?
A) Side-lying (lateral) with one pillow under the head
B) Head of the bed elevated 30 degrees and no pillows placed under the head
C) Semi-Fowlers with the head supported on two pillows
D) Supine, with a small roll supporting the neck
Ans: C
Feedback:
When moving and turning the patient, the nurse carefully supports the patients head and avoids tension
on the sutures. The most comfortable position is the semi-Fowlers position, with the head elevated and
supported by pillows.
3. A patient with thyroid cancer has undergone surgery and a significant amount of parathyroid tissue has
been removed. The nurse caring for the patient should prioritize what question when addressing
potential complications?
A) Do you feel any muscle twitches or spasms?
B) Do you feel flushed or sweaty?
C) Are you experiencing any dizziness or lightheadedness?
D) Are you having any pain that seems to be radiating from your bones?
Ans: A
Feedback:
As the blood calcium level falls, hyperirritability of the nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet
and muscle twitching. This is characteristic of hypoparathyroidism. Flushing, diaphoresis, dizziness, and
pain are atypical signs of the resulting hypocalcemia.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of Addisons disease. What sign or symptom is most
closely associated with this health problem?
A) Truncal obesity
B) Hypertension
C) Muscle weakness
D) Moon face
Ans: C
Feedback:
Patients with Addisons disease demonstrate muscular weakness, anorexia, gastrointestinal symptoms,
fatigue, emaciation, dark pigmentation of the skin, and hypotension. Patients with Cushing syndrome
demonstrate truncal obesity, moon face, acne, abdominal striae, and hypertension.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with Addisons disease who is scheduled for discharge. When teaching
the patient about hormone replacement therapy, the nurse should address what topic?
A) The possibility of precipitous weight gain
B) The need for lifelong steroid replacement
C) The need to match the daily steroid dose to immediate symptoms
D) The importance of monitoring liver function
Ans: B
Feedback:
Because of the need for lifelong replacement of adrenal cortex hormones to prevent addisonian crises,
the patient and family members receive explicit education about the rationale for replacement therapy
and proper dosage. Doses are not adjusted on a short-term basis. Weight gain and hepatotoxicity are not
common adverse effects.
6. The nurse is teaching a patient that the body needs iodine for the thyroid to function. What food would
be the best source of iodine for the body?
A) Eggs
B) Shellfish
C) Table salt
D) Red meat
Ans: C
Feedback:
The major use of iodine in the body is by the thyroid. Iodized table salt is the best source of iodine.
7. A patient is prescribed corticosteroid therapy. What would be priority information for the nurse to give
the patient who is prescribed long-term corticosteroid therapy?
A) The patients diet should be low protein with ample fat.
B) The patient may experience short-term changes in cognition.
C) The patient is at an increased risk for developing infection.
D) The patient is at a decreased risk for development of thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism.
Ans: C
Feedback:
The patient is at increased risk of infection and masking of signs of infection. The cardiovascular effects
of corticosteroid therapy may result in development of thrombophlebitis or thromboembolism. Diet
should be high in protein with limited fat. Changes in appearance usually disappear when therapy is no
longer necessary. Cognitive changes are not common adverse effects.
8. A nurse caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus is reviewing laboratory results. What is an expected
urinalysis finding?
A) Glucose in the urine
B) Albumin in the urine
C) Highly dilute urine
D) Leukocytes in the urine
Ans: C
Feedback:
Patients with diabetes insipidus produce an enormous daily output of very dilute, water-like urine with a specific gravity
of 1.001 to 1.005. The urine contains no abnormal substances such as glucose or albumin. Leukocytes in the urine are not
related to the condition of diabetes insipidus, but would indicate a urinary tract infection, if present in the urine.
9. The nurse caring for a patient with Cushing syndrome is describing the dexamethasone suppression test
scheduled for tomorrow. What does the nurse explain that this test will involve?
A) Administration of dexamethasone orally, followed by a plasma cortisol level every hour for 3 hours
B) Administration of dexamethasone IV, followed by an x-ray of the adrenal glands
C) Administration of dexamethasone orally at 11 PM, and a plasma cortisol level at 8 AM the next morning
D) Administration of dexamethasone intravenously, followed by a plasma cortisol level 3 hours after the drug is
administered
Ans: C
Feedback:
Dexamethasone (1 mg) is administered orally at 11 PM, and a plasma cortisol level is obtained at 8 AM the next morning.
This test can be performed on an outpatient basis and is the most widely used and
sensitive screening test for diagnosis of pituitary and adrenal causes of Cushing syndrome.
10. You are developing a care plan for a patient with Cushing syndrome. What nursing diagnosis would
have the highest priority in this care plan?
A) Risk for injury related to weakness
B) Ineffective breathing pattern related to muscle weakness
C) Risk for loneliness related to disturbed body image
D) Autonomic dysreflexia related to neurologic changes
Ans: A
Feedback:
The nursing priority is to decrease the risk of injury by establishing a protective environment. The
patient who is weak may require assistance from the nurse in ambulating to prevent falls or bumping
corners or furniture. The patients breathing will not be affected and autonomic dysreflexia is not a
plausible risk. Loneliness may or may not be an issue for the patient, but safety is a priority.
11. The nurse is performing a shift assessment of a patient with aldosteronism. What assessments should the nurse
include? Select all that apply.
A) Urine output
B) Signs or symptoms of venous thromboembolism
C) Peripheral pulses
D) Blood pressure
E) Skin integrity
Ans: A, D
Feedback:
The principal action of aldosterone is to conserve body sodium. Alterations in aldosterone levels
consequently affect urine output and BP. The patients peripheral pulses, risk of VTE, and skin integrity
are not typically affected by aldosteronism.
12. The home care nurse is conducting patient teaching with a patient on corticosteroid therapy. To achieve consistency
with the body’s natural secretion of cortisol, when would the home care nurse instruct the patient to take his or her
corticosteroids?
A) In the evening between 4 PM and 6 PM
B) Prior to going to sleep at night
C) At noon every day
D) In the morning between 7 AM and 8 AM
Ans: D
Feedback:
In keeping with the natural secretion of cortisol, the best time of day for the total corticosteroid dose is in
the morning from 7 to 8 AM. Large-dose therapy at 8 AM, when the adrenal gland is most active,
produces maximal suppression of the gland. Also, a large 8 AM dose is more physiologic because it
allows the body to escape effects of the steroids from 4 PM to 6 AM, when serum levels are normally
low, thus minimizing cushingoid effects.
13. A patient presents at the walk-in clinic complaining of diarrhea and vomiting. The patient has a documented history of
adrenal insufficiency. Considering the patients history and current symptoms, the
nurse should anticipate that the patient will be instructed to do which of the following?
A) Increase his intake of sodium until the GI symptoms improve.
B) Increase his intake of potassium until the GI symptoms improve.
C) Increase his intake of glucose until the GI symptoms improve.
D) Increase his intake of calcium until the GI symptoms improve.
Ans: A
Feedback:
The patient will need to supplement dietary intake with added salt during episodes of GI losses of fluid
through vomiting and diarrhea to prevent the onset of addisonian crisis. While the patient may experience the loss of other
electrolytes, the major concern is the replacement of lost sodium.
14. The nurse is caring for a patient with hyperparathyroidism. What level of activity would the nurse expect to promote?
A) Complete bed rest
B) Bed rest with bathroom privileges
C) Out of bed (OOB) to the chair twice a day
D) Ambulation and activity as tolerated
Ans: D
Feedback:
Mobility, with walking or use of a rocking chair for those with limited mobility, is encouraged as much
as possible because bones subjected to normal stress give up less calcium. Best rest should be
discouraged because it increases calcium excretion and the risk of renal calculi. Limiting the patient to
getting out of bed only a few times a day also increases calcium excretion and the associated risks.
15. While assisting with the surgical removal of an adrenal tumor, the OR nurse is aware that the patients vital signs may
change upon manipulation of the tumor. What vital sign changes would the nurse expect to see?
A) Hyperthermia and tachypnea
B) Hypertension and heart rate changes
C) Hypotension and hypothermia
D) Hyperthermia and bradycardia
Ans: B
Feedback:
Manipulation of the tumor during surgical excision may cause release of stored epinephrine and
norepinephrine, with marked increases in BP and changes in heart rate. The use of sodium nitroprusside
and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents may be required during and after surgery. While other vital sign
changes may occur related to surgical complications, the most common changes are related to
hypertension and changes in the heart rate.
16. A patient has returned to the floor after having a thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. The nurse knows that sometimes
during thyroid surgery the parathyroid glands can be injured or removed. What laboratory
finding may be an early indication of parathyroid gland injury or removal?
A) Hyponatremia
B) Hypophosphatemia
C) Hypocalcemia
D) Hypokalemia
Ans: C
Feedback:
Injury or removal of the parathyroid glands may produce a disturbance in calcium metabolism and result
in a decline of calcium levels (hypocalcemia). As the blood calcium levels fall, hyperirritability of the
nerves occurs, with spasms of the hands and feet and muscle twitching. This group of symptoms is
known as tetany and must be reported to the physician immediately, because laryngospasm may occur
and obstruct the airway. Hypophosphatemia, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia are not expected responses
to parathyroid injury or removal. In fact, parathyroid removal or injury that results in hypocalcemia may
lead to hyperphosphatemia.
17. The nurse is planning the care of a patient with hyperthyroidism. What should the nurse specify in the
patients meal plan?
A) A clear liquid diet, high in nutrients
B) Small, frequent meals, high in protein and calories
C) Three large, bland meals a day
D) A diet high in fiber and plant-sourced fat
Ans: B
Feedback:
A patient with hyperthyroidism has an increased appetite. The patient should be counseled to consume
several small, well-balanced meals. High-calorie, high-protein foods are encouraged. A clear liquid diet
would not satisfy the patients caloric or hunger needs. A diet rich in fiber and fat should be avoided
because these foods may lead to GI upset or increase peristalsis.
18. A patient with a diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is
being cared for on the critical care unit. The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with this condition is what?
A) Risk for peripheral neurovascular dysfunction
B) Excess fluid volume
C) Hypothermia
D) Ineffective airway clearance
Ans: B
Feedback:
The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with SIADH is excess fluid volume, as the patient retains
fluids and develops a sodium deficiency. Restricting fluid intake is a typical intervention for managing
this syndrome. Temperature imbalances are not associated with SIADH. The patient is not at risk for
neurovascular dysfunction or a compromised airway.
19. A patient with hypofunction of the adrenal cortex has been admitted to the medical unit. What would the nurse most
likely find when assessing this patient?
A) Increased body temperature
B) Jaundice
C) Copious urine output
D) Decreased BP
Ans: D
Feedback:
Decreased BP may occur with hypofunction of the adrenal cortex. Decreased function of the adrenal
cortex does not affect the patients body temperature, urine output, or skin tone.
20. The nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with Graves disease. What physical characteristics of Graves disease would
the nurse expect to find?
A) Hair loss
B) Moon face
C) Bulging eyes
D) Fatigue
Ans: C
Feedback:
Clinical manifestations of the endocrine disorder Graves disease include exophthalmos (bulging eyes)
and fine tremor in the hands. Graves disease is not associated with hair loss, a moon face, or fatigue.
21. A patient with suspected adrenal insufficiency has been ordered an adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) stimulation test. Administration of ACTH caused a marked increase in cortisol levels. How
should the nurse interpret this finding?
A) The patients pituitary function is compromised.
B) The patients adrenal insufficiency is not treatable.
C) The patient has insufficient hypothalamic function.
D) The patient would benefit from surgery.
Ans: A
Feedback:
An adrenal response to the administration of a stimulating hormone suggests inadequate production of
the stimulating hormone. In this case, ACTH is produced by the pituitary and, consequently, pituitary
hypofunction is suggested. Hypothalamic function is not relevant to the physiology of this problem.
Treatment exists, although surgery is not likely indicated.
22. The physician has ordered a fluid deprivation test for a patient suspected of having diabetes insipidus.
During the test, the nurse should prioritize what assessments?
A) Temperature and oxygen saturation
B) Heart rate and BP
C) Breath sounds and bowel sounds
D) Color, warmth, movement, and sensation of extremities
Ans: B
Feedback:
The fluid deprivation test is carried out by withholding fluids for 8 to 12 hours or until 3% to 5% of the
body weight is lost. The patients condition needs to be monitored frequently during the test, and the test
is terminated if tachycardia, excessive weight loss, or hypotension develops. Consequently, BP and heart
rate monitoring are priorities over the other listed assessments.
23. A nurse works in a walk-in clinic. The nurse recognizes that certain patients are at higher risk for
different disorders than other patients. What patient is at a greater risk for the development of
hypothyroidism?
A) A 75-year-old female patient with osteoporosis
B) A 50-year-old male patient who is obese
C) A 45-year-old female patient who used oral contraceptives
D) A 25-year-old male patient who uses recreational drugs
Ans: A
Feedback:
Even though osteoporosis is not a risk factor for hypothyroidism, the condition occurs most frequently in
older women.
24. A patient with a recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism is being treated for an unrelated injury. When
administering medications to the patient, the nurse should know that the patients diminished thyroid
function may have what effect?
A) Anaphylaxis
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) Increased risk of drug interactions
D) Prolonged duration of effect
Ans: D
Feedback:
In all patients with hypothyroidism, the effects of analgesic agents, sedatives, and anesthetic agents are
prolonged. There is no direct increase in the risk of anaphylaxis, nausea, or drug interactions, although
these may potentially result from the prolonged half-life of drugs.
25. A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with a diagnosis of thyroid storm. What interventions
should the nurse include in this patients immediate care? Select all that apply.
A) Administering diuretics to prevent fluid overload
B) Administering beta blockers to reduce heart rate
C) Administering insulin to reduce blood glucose levels
D) Applying interventions to reduce the patients temperature
E) Administering corticosteroids
Ans: B, D
Feedback:
Thyroid storm necessitates interventions to reduce heart rate and temperature. Diuretics, insulin, and
steroids are not indicated to address the manifestations of this health problem.
26. The nurses assessment of a patient with thyroidectomy suggests tetany and a review of the most recent
blood work corroborate this finding. The nurse should prepare to administer what intervention?
A) Oral calcium chloride and vitamin D
B) IV calcium gluconate
C) STAT levothyroxine
D) Administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Ans: B
Feedback:
When hypocalcemia and tetany occur after a thyroidectomy, the immediate treatment is administration
of IV calcium gluconate. This has a much faster therapeutic effect than PO calcium or vitamin D
supplements. PTH and levothyroxine are not used to treat this complication.
27. A patient has been taking prednisone for several weeks after experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction. To prevent
adrenal insufficiency, the nurse should ensure that the patient knows to do which of the
following?
A) Take the drug concurrent with levothyroxine (Synthroid).
B) Take each dose of prednisone with a dose of calcium chloride.
C) Gradually replace the prednisone with an OTC alternative.
D) Slowly taper down the dose of prednisone, as ordered.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Corticosteroid dosages are reduced gradually (tapered) to allow normal adrenal function to return and to
prevent steroid-induced adrenal insufficiency. There are no OTC substitutes for prednisone and neither
calcium chloride nor levothyroxine addresses the risk of adrenal insufficiency.
28. Following an addisonian crisis, a patients adrenal function has been gradually regained. The nurse
should ensure that the patient knows about the need for supplementary glucocorticoid therapy in which
of the following circumstances?
A) Episodes of high psychosocial stress
B) Periods of dehydration
C) Episodes of physical exertion
D) Administration of a vaccine
Ans: A
Feedback:
During stressful procedures or significant illnesses, additional supplementary therapy with
glucocorticoids is required to prevent addisonian crisis. Physical activity, dehydration and vaccine
administration would not normally be sufficiently demanding such to require glucocorticoids.
29. A 30 year-old female patient has been diagnosed with Cushing syndrome. What psychosocial nursing
diagnosis should the nurse most likely prioritize when planning the patients care?
A) Decisional conflict related to treatment options
B) Spiritual distress related to changes in cognitive function
C) Disturbed body image related to changes in physical appearance
D) Powerlessness related to disease progression
Ans: C
Feedback:
Cushing syndrome causes characteristic physical changes that are likely to result in disturbed body
image. Decisional conflict and powerless may exist, but disturbed body image is more likely to be
present. Cognitive changes take place in patients with Cushing syndrome, but these may or may not
cause spiritual distress.
30. A patient with pheochromocytoma has been admitted for an adrenalectomy to be performed the
following day. To prevent complications, the nurse should anticipate preoperative administration of
which of the following?
A) IV antibiotics
B) Oral antihypertensives
C) Parenteral nutrition
D) IV corticosteroids
Ans: D
Feedback:
IV administration of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone sodium succinate [Solu-Medrol]) may begin on
the evening before surgery and continue during the early postoperative period to prevent adrenal
insufficiency. Antibiotics, antihypertensives, and parenteral nutrition do not prevent adrenal
insufficiency or other common complications of adrenalectomy.
31. A patient is undergoing testing for suspected adrenocortical insufficiency. The care team should ensure
that the patient has been assessed for the most common cause of adrenocortical insufficiency. What is
the most common cause of this health problem?
A) Therapeutic use of corticosteroids
B) Pheochromocytoma
C) Inadequate secretion of ACTH
D) Adrenal tumor
Ans: A
Feedback:
Therapeutic use of corticosteroids is the most common cause of adrenocortical insufficiency. The other
options also cause adrenocortical insufficiency, but they are not the most common causes.
32. The nurse providing care for a patient with Cushing syndrome has identified the nursing diagnosis of
risk for injury related to weakness. How should the nurse best reduce this risk?
A) Establish falls prevention measures.
B) Encourage bed rest whenever possible.
C) Encourage the use of assistive devices.
D) Provide constant supervision.
Ans: A
Feedback:
The nurse should take action to prevent the patients risk for falls. Bed rest carries too many harmful
effects, however, and assistive devices may or may not be necessary. Constant supervision is not
normally required or practicable.
33. A patient with Cushing syndrome has been hospitalized after a fall. The dietician consulted works with the patient to
improve the patients nutritional intake. What foods should a patient with Cushing
syndrome eat to optimize health? Select all that apply.
A) Foods high in vitamin D
B) Foods high in calories
C) Foods high in protein
D) Foods high in calcium
E) Foods high in sodium
Ans: A, C, D
Feedback:
Foods high in vitamin D, protein, and calcium are recommended to minimize muscle wasting and
osteoporosis. Referral to a dietitian may assist the patient in selecting appropriate foods that are also low
in sodium and calories.
34. A patient on corticosteroid therapy needs to be taught that a course of corticosteroids of 2 weeks
duration can suppress the adrenal cortex for how long?
A) Up to 4 weeks
B) Up to 3 months
C) Up to 9 months
D) Up to 1 year
Ans: D
Feedback:
Suppression of the adrenal cortex may persist up to 1 year after a course of corticosteroids of only 2
weeks duration.
35. A patient with Cushing syndrome as a result of a pituitary tumor has been admitted for a transsphenoidal
hypophysectomy. What would be most important for the nurse to monitor before, during, and after surgery?
A) Blood glucose
B) Assessment of urine for blood
C) Weight
D) Oral temperature
Ans: A
Feedback:
Before, during, and after this surgery, blood glucose monitoring and assessment of stools for blood are
carried out. The patients blood sugar is more likely to be volatile than body weight or temperature.
Hematuria is not a common complication.
36. What should the nurse teach a patient on corticosteroid therapy in order to reduce the patients risk of
adrenal insufficiency?
A) Take the medication late in the day to mimic the bodys natural rhythms.
B) Always have enough medication on hand to avoid running out.
C) Skip up to 2 doses in cases of illness involving nausea.
D) Take up to 1 extra dose per day during times of stress.
Ans: B
Feedback:
The patient and family should be informed that acute adrenal insufficiency and underlying symptoms will recur if
corticosteroid therapy is stopped abruptly without medical supervision. The patient should be instructed to have an
adequate supply of the corticosteroid medication always available to avoid running out. Doses should not be skipped or
added without explicit instructions to do so. Corticosteroids should normally be taken in the morning to mimic natural
rhythms.
37. The nurse is caring for a patient at risk for an addisonian crisis. For what associated signs and symptoms should the
nurse monitor the patient? Select all that apply.
A) Epistaxis
B) Pallor
C) Rapid respiratory rate
D) Bounding pulse
E) Hypotension
Ans: B, C, E
Feedback:
The patient at risk is monitored for signs and symptoms indicative of addisonian crisis, which can
include shock; hypotension; rapid, weak pulse; rapid respiratory rate; pallor; and extreme weakness.
Epistaxis and a bounding pulse are not symptoms or signs of an addisonian crisis.
38. A patient has been assessed for aldosteronism and has recently begun treatment. What are priority areas for
assessment that the nurse should frequently address? Select all that apply.
A) Pupillary response
B) Creatinine and BUN levels
C) Potassium level
D) Peripheral pulses
E) BP
Ans: C, E
Feedback:
Patients with aldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in the serum levels of potassium, and hypertension is the most
prominent and almost universal sign of aldosteronism. Pupillary response, peripheral pulses, and renal function are not
directly affected.
39. A patient who has been taking corticosteroids for several months has been experiencing muscle wasting. The patient
has asked the nurse for suggestions to address this adverse effect. What should the nurse recommend?
A) Activity limitation to conserve energy
B) Consumption of a high-protein diet
C) Use of OTC vitamin D and calcium supplements
D) Passive range-of-motion exercises
Ans: B
Feedback:
Muscle wasting can be partly addressed through increased protein intake. Passive ROM exercises
maintain flexibility, but do not build muscle mass. Vitamin D and calcium supplements do not decrease
muscle wasting. Activity limitation would exacerbate the problem.
40. The nurse is providing care for an older adult patient whose current medication regimen includes
levothyroxine (Synthroid). As a result, the nurse should be aware of the heightened risk of adverse
effects when administering an IV dose of what medication?
A) A fluoroquinolone antibiotic
B) A loop diuretic
C) A proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
D) A benzodiazepine
Ans: D
Feedback:
Oral thyroid hormones interact with many other medications. Even in small IV doses, hypnotic and sedative agents may
induce profound somnolence, lasting far longer than anticipated and leading to
narcosis (stupor like condition). Furthermore, they are likely to cause respiratory depression, which can
easily be fatal because of decreased respiratory reserve and alveolar hypoventilation. Antibiotics, PPIs
and diuretics do not cause the same risk.