ENDOCRINE Flashcards
Chapter 48 (153 cards)
What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
a) Digest food
b) Regulate body growth
c) Control body temperature
d) Fight infections
b) Regulate body growth
The primary function of the endocrine system is to regulate the body’s growth and development through the secretion of hormones. While food digestion, temperature control, and infection response are important body functions, they are not the main role of the endocrine system.
What is the result of inadequate secretion of growth hormone in children?
a) Hypoglycemia
b) Gigantism
c) Dwarfism
d) Hyperthyroidism
c) Dwarfism
Explanation: Inadequate secretion of growth hormone in children results in dwarfism, characterized by stunted growth and shorter stature. Gigantism occurs when there is excess growth hormone, not a deficiency. Hypoglycemia is related to insulin issues, and hyperthyroidism is related to thyroid hormones.
What hormone is primarily responsible for promoting bone and cartilage growth?
a) Insulin
b) Thyroxine
c) Growth hormone
d) Cortisol
c) Growth hormone
Growth hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, directly promotes the growth of bones and cartilage, especially in childhood. Insulin regulates glucose metabolism, thyroxine affects metabolism, and cortisol is a stress hormone, none of which primarily promote bone/cartilage growth.
Which of the following is a common complication of growth hormone therapy?
a) Hyperglycemia
b) Hypotension
c) Peripheral edema
d) Intracranial hypertension
d) Intracranial hypertension
Explanation: Intracranial hypertension, or increased pressure within the skull, is a known complication of growth hormone therapy. It can cause headaches and visual disturbances. While hyperglycemia and peripheral edema can be seen with various treatments, they are not as directly related to growth hormone therapy.
What is the most common endocrine disorder seen in children, often leading to excessive thirst and urination? a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Type 1 Diabetes
c) Addison’s disease
d) Cushing’s syndrome
b) Type 1 Diabetes
Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder in children, leading to hyperglycemia, excessive thirst (polydipsia), and frequent urination (polyuria). Hyperthyroidism can cause increased thirst, but it is not as common as type 1 diabetes in children. Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome are rarer conditions.
What is the term used for excessive fluid loss due to urination in diabetic patients?
a) Hypovolemia
b) Polydipsia
c) Polyuria
d) Polyphagia
c) Polyuria
Explanation: Polyuria refers to excessive urination, which is a hallmark symptom of diabetes. Hypovolemia refers to low blood volume, polydipsia is excessive thirst, and polyphagia refers to excessive hunger, all of which may occur with diabetes but are not specifically linked to urination.
A deficiency of which hormone in children leads to poor growth and delayed puberty?
a) Thyroxine
b) Parathyroid hormone
c) Growth hormone
d) Cortisol
c) Growth hormone
Explanation: Growth hormone is responsible for stimulating growth in children. A deficiency leads to poor growth and delayed puberty. Thyroxine regulates metabolism, parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, and cortisol is involved in stress response, none of which are directly related to growth stimulation.
What test is used to screen for metabolic and endocrine disorders in newborns?
a) Blood culture
b) Urinalysis
c) Blood spot test
d) CT scan
c) Blood spot test
Explanation: The blood spot test (heel prick test) is used to screen for metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, in newborns. A blood culture is for infections, urinalysis is used for kidney issues, and a CT scan is typically used for imaging, not screening for metabolic disorders.
Which hormone is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism?
a) Insulin
b) Cortisol
c) Thyroxine
d) Growth hormone
c) Thyroxine
Explanation: Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, regulates metabolism by controlling the rate of energy production in cells. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, cortisol is a stress hormone, and growth hormone is important for growth but not metabolism regulation.
What term refers to the condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones?
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Goiter
d) Myxedema
b) Hyperthyroidism
Explanation: Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to an increased metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism is the opposite, where the thyroid produces too little. Goiter refers to an enlarged thyroid gland, and myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism.
What is a common sign of hyperglycemia in children?
a) Increased appetite
b) Decreased thirst
c) Vomiting and dehydration
d) Excessive sweating
c) Vomiting and dehydration
Explanation: Hyperglycemia in children, especially in undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, often leads to dehydration and vomiting as the body tries to rid itself of excess glucose. Increased appetite (polyphagia) can also occur, but vomiting and dehydration are more directly linked to hyperglycemia.
What condition is characterized by an underproduction of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
a) Diabetes insipidus
b) Cushing’s syndrome
c) Hypothyroidism
d) Addison’s disease
a) Diabetes insipidus
Explanation: Diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency of ADH, which leads to excessive urination and thirst. Cushing’s syndrome involves excessive cortisol production, hypothyroidism involves low thyroid hormone, and Addison’s disease involves adrenal insufficiency, none of which are directly related to ADH deficiency.
What is the treatment for growth hormone deficiency in children?
a) Insulin therapy
b) Recombinant growth hormone
c) Radiation therapy
d) Thyroid hormone replacement
b) Recombinant growth hormone
Explanation: Recombinant growth hormone is used to treat growth hormone deficiency in children, helping them grow at a normal rate. Insulin therapy is for diabetes, radiation therapy is for cancer, and thyroid hormone replacement is for hypothyroidism, none of which address growth hormone deficiency.
What term describes a state of excessive fluid intake in diabetes mellitus patients?
a) Polyuria
b) Polydipsia
c) Polyphagia
d) Hyperglycemia
b) Polydipsia
Polydipsia refers to excessive thirst, which is common in diabetes as a result of high blood sugar. Polyuria refers to excessive urination, polyphagia refers to excessive hunger, and hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels.
Which of the following is a common nursing diagnosis related to endocrine disorders like diabetes?
a) Imbalanced nutrition
b) Impaired skin integrity
c) Risk for infection
d) Deficient fluid volume
d) Deficient fluid volume
Explanation: Deficient fluid volume is a common nursing diagnosis for patients with endocrine disorders like diabetes, due to the excessive fluid loss from polyuria. While imbalanced nutrition and impaired skin integrity can be concerns in diabetes, deficient fluid volume is more directly linked.
What is the name of the hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels?
a) Adrenaline
b) Insulin
c) Thyroxine
d) Cortisol
b) Insulin
Explanation: Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells. Adrenaline is involved in the fight-or-flight response, thyroxine regulates metabolism, and cortisol is a stress hormone.
Which endocrine disorder can result in a child growing excessively tall due to overproduction of growth hormone before puberty?
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Acromegaly
c) Gigantism
d) Cretinism
c) Gigantism
Explanation: Gigantism occurs when there is an overproduction of growth hormone before puberty, leading to excessive growth in children. Acromegaly is a similar condition but occurs after puberty. Hypothyroidism and cretinism are unrelated to growth hormone overproduction.
What is the medical term for the condition of low thyroid hormone production?
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Hypothyroidism
c) Goiter
d) Graves’ disease
b) Hypothyroidism
Explanation: Hypothyroidism is characterized by low thyroid hormone production, leading to symptoms like weight gain and fatigue. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite, goiter refers to an enlarged thyroid, and Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism.
What hormone is associated with the fight or flight response and is released from the adrenal glands?
a) Growth hormone
b) Insulin
c) Epinephrine
d) Cortisol
c) Epinephrine
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is released from the adrenal glands during the fight-or-flight response to prepare the body for immediate physical action. Growth hormone affects growth, insulin regulates blood sugar, and cortisol helps the body respond to stress, but none are directly related to the fight-or-flight response.
In which endocrine disorder would a nurse expect to find symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance?
a) Cushing’s syndrome
b) Hyperthyroidism
c) Hypothyroidism
d) Addison’s disease
c) Hypothyroidism
Explanation: Hypothyroidism is characterized by low thyroid hormone production, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold. Cushing’s syndrome and hyperthyroidism have opposite effects on metabolism, and Addison’s disease primarily affects adrenal function.
A nurse is caring for an adolescent female diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia
B. Weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia
C. Puffy face, constipation, and fatigue
D. Dry skin, hoarseness, and slowed speech
Correct Answer: B. Weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia
Rationale:
These are classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism due to excessive thyroid hormone activity:
Weight loss occurs despite increased appetite.
Heat intolerance is common due to increased metabolism.
Tachycardia results from increased sympathetic activity.
Why others are incorrect:
A describes hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.
C and D also reflect hypothyroid symptoms such as facial puffiness, constipation, and slowed body functions.
Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions for a child with diabetes insipidus (DI)?
A. Administer desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) as ordered
B. Encourage unrestricted fluid intake
C. Monitor intake and output accurately
D. Observe for signs of dehydration
E. Restrict sodium in the diet
Correct Answers: A, C, D, E
Rationale:
A: DDAVP is the medication of choice for central DI; it mimics ADH.
C: Close monitoring of I&O is crucial to detect imbalances.
D: Children with DI are at risk for dehydration due to excessive urination.
E: Sodium restriction helps prevent further dehydration and hypernatremia.
Why B is incorrect:
B: Fluids should be given as ordered, not unrestricted. Overhydration may not correct the problem and may cause complications like water intoxication if DDAVP is already being used.
A 14-year-old girl presents with fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and sensitivity to cold. Lab tests reveal low T3 and T4, and elevated TSH. She is diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
What medication does the nurse expect to be prescribed?
A. Methimazole
B. Levothyroxine
C. Desmopressin
D. Prednisone
Correct Answer: B. Levothyroxine
Rationale:
Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone (T4) used to replace the low levels seen in hypothyroidism.
Dosage is individualized and monitored via TSH levels.
Why others are incorrect:
A (Methimazole) is for hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
C (Desmopressin) is for diabetes insipidus.
D (Prednisone) is a corticosteroid used for adrenal insufficiency or inflammation—not for thyroid hormone replacement.
In managing a patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH), which nursing intervention is a priority?
A. Encourage fluid intake of at least 3 liters/day
B. Administer vasopressin to maintain hydration
C. Monitor serum sodium levels frequently
D. Provide a high-protein diet
Correct Answer: C. Monitor serum sodium levels frequently
Rationale:
SIADH causes water retention and hyponatremia due to excessive ADH.
Monitoring sodium is critical to prevent complications like seizures or cerebral edema.
Why others are incorrect:
A: Fluid intake should be restricted, not encouraged.
B: Vasopressin worsens SIADH as it’s an ADH analog.
D: Protein intake is not the priority; fluid balance and sodium monitoring are.