Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.The nurse notes that the patient is extremely dehydrated.To make this assessment,what did the nurse evaluate?

Accepted Answer

A)  Skin turgor 
B)  Nail bed color 
C)  Capillary refill 
D)  Skin temperature

Question 2

A patient is admitted with severe hyperglycemia due to new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.Which signs and symptoms obtained as part of the patient's history might indicate the presence of hyperglycemia?

Accepted Answer

A)  Recent episodes of tachycardia and missed heart beats 
B)  Decreased urine output accompanied by peripheral edema 
C)  Periods of hyperactivity with weight gain 
D)  Increased thirst and increased urinary output

Question 3

A patient is admitted with hyponatremia.The practitioner suspects the patient may have syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)and orders a serum ADH level for the next morning.Which medications must be stopped or withheld at least 8 hours prior to the test?

Accepted Answer

A)  Insulin and furosemide 
B)  Morphine and carbamazepine 
C)  Digoxin and potassium 
D)  Heparin and lopressor

Question 4

A patient has been admitted with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation and muscle wasting.The practitioner suspects the patient may have a thyroid disorder.The nurse auscultates a bruit over the thyroid.What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

A)  Normal function 
B)  Enlargement of the thyroid 
C)  Hypoplasia of the thyroid 
D)  Tumor of the thyroid

Question 5

A patient is admitted with severe hyperglycemia due to new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.The nurse notes a sweet-smelling odor on the patient's exhaled breath.What causes this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

A)  Metabolic alkalosis 
B)  Ketoacidosis 
C)  Glycosylation 
D)  Dehydration

Question 6

A patient is admitted with hypernatremia secondary to diabetes insipidus (DI).The practitioner suspects the patient has neurogenic DI.Which finding would confirm that diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A)  A slight increase in urine osmolality 
B)  A decrease in urine output 
C)  A decrease in serum osmolality 
D)  No change in urine osmolality

Question 7

A patient has been admitted who is suspected of having thyrotoxicosis.Which laboratory findings would confirm this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A)  Very low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 
B)  Decreased T₃ uptake ratio 
C)  Increased serum osmolality 
D)  Decreased urine osmolality

Question 8

A patient has been admitted with multiple trauma due to a motor vehicle accident several weeks ago.Given the prolonged critical illness,the nurse knows the patient may no longer secrete adequate amounts of what hormone?

Accepted Answer

A)  Aldosterone 
B)  Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 
C)  Cortisol 
D)  Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 9

A patient was admitted with asthma who has been on steroids for a long time.The nurse knows that this patient is at risk of developing secondary Cushing syndrome.What would be the cause of this condition?

Accepted Answer

A)  Pharmacologic glucocorticoids 
B)  Pharmacologic mineralocorticoids 
C)  Cortisol 
D)  Aldosterone

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma.What signs or symptoms might the nurse expect to see in this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)  Hypertension and tachycardia 
B)  Weight gain and acne 
C)  Diarrhea and facial swelling 
D)  Blurred vision and poor skin turgor

Exam 31: Endocrine Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Procedures