3p0ituitary

Question 1

The nurse notes in a patient’s medication history that the patient has been taking desmopressin (DDAVP). Based on this finding, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?
a.
Diabetes mellitus
b.
Diabetes insipidus
c.
Adrenocortical insufficiency
d.
Carcinoid tumor

Answer 1

ANS: B
Desmopressin is used to prevent or control polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria, and dehydration in patients with diabetes insipidus. The symptoms are caused by a deficiency of endogenous antidiuretic hormone. The other options are incorrect.

Question 2

A 16-year-old boy who is taking somatropin comes into the office because he had an asthma attack during a race at school. Because of this new development, the nurse expects which intervention to occur next?
a.
He will need to stop participating in school physical education classes.
b.
The somatropin must be discontinued immediately.
c.
The somatropin dosage may be adjusted.
d.
His growth will be documented and monitored for changes.

Answer 2

ANS: C
Somatropin is to be used with caution in acute or chronic illnesses, such as migraine headaches, epilepsy, and asthma. It will not have to be immediately discontinued but will require close monitoring. The patient’s growth will be measured and documented throughout therapy with somatropin.

Question 3

When a patient is receiving vasopressin (Pitressin), the nurse will monitor for which therapeutic response?
a.
Improved appetite
b.
Increased serum albumin levels
c.
Increased serum potassium levels
d.
Decreased urinary output

Answer 3

ANS: D
Decreased severe thirst and decreased urinary output are the therapeutic responses expected with vasopressin. The other options are incorrect.

Question 4

An 8-year-old child has been diagnosed with true pituitary dwarfism and is being treated with somatropin. In follow-up visits, the nurse will monitor for which expected outcome?
a.
Increased growth
b.
Decreased urinary output
c.
Increased muscle strength
d.
Increased height when the child reaches puberty

Answer 4

ANS: A

In patients for whom somatropin is indicated, increased growth is expected. The other options are incorrect.

Question 5

When reviewing the medication profile of a patient with a new order for desmopressin (DDAVP), the nurse notes that a drug interaction will occur if which drug is taken with desmopressin?
a.
Aspirin
b.
Digoxin
c.
Lithium
d.
Penicillin

Answer 5

ANS: C

Lithium may cause a decreased therapeutic effect of desmopressin. The other options are incorrect.

Question 6

A patient’s medication order indicates that he is to receive a dose of cosyntropin (Cortrosyn). The nurse is aware that this drug is used to diagnose which condition?
a.
Adrenocortical insufficiency
b.
Diabetes insipidus
c.
Myasthenia gravis
d.
Pituitary dwarfism

Answer 6

ANS: A

Cosyntropin is used for the diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency. The other options are incorrect.

Question 7

A patient is about to receive a dose of octreotide (Sandostatin). The nurse will assess for which contraindications or cautions? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Carcinoid crisis
b.
Diarrhea
c.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
d.
Gallbladder disease
e.
Chronic renal failure
f.
Esophageal varices

Answer 7

ANS: C, D, E
Octreotide is used with caution in patients with diabetes (type 1 or 2), gallbladder impairment, or renal impairment. Carcinoid crisis, which may be associated with severe diarrhea and flushing, is an indication for octreotide; esophageal varices are also an indication.