A client is admitted to the surgical nursing unit following a subtotal thyroidectomy. In addition to monitoring the client for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, the nurse should be concerned with the function of which other local endocrine gland(s)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Post-subtotal thyroidectomy, removing most thyroid tissue, the nurse monitors hypothyroidism (low T₃/T₄) and the nearby parathyroid glands, embedded in the thyroid, which regulate calcium via parathyroid hormone (PTH). Surgical disruption risks hypoparathyroidism, causing hypocalcemia (e.g., tetany). Pituitary oversees TSH but isn't local or directly affected here. Pancreas (insulin) and adrenals (cortisol) are distant, unrelated to thyroid proximity. Parathyroids' anatomical closeness and calcium role distinguish them, critical for post-surgical care, unlike systemic or distant glands.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The thyroid, anterior to the trachea and below the larynx, contains embedded parathyroids (posteriorly) and produces three hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. All statements hold: location aids surgical identification, parathyroids regulate calcium, and hormones manage metabolism/calcium. This comprehensive accuracy distinguishes thyroid anatomy/function, key to endocrine physiology.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fight-or-flight, driven by adrenal medulla catecholamines, includes pupil dilation (vision), increased lung oxygen (energy), and suppressed digestion (blood diversion). Mental activity heightens for alertness, not reduces. Reduced cognition contradicts this survival mechanism, distinguishing it from physiological shifts, key to acute stress response understanding.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) raises blood pressure: renin (kidneys) triggers angiotensin II, constricting vessels, and aldosterone, retaining sodium/water. It doesn't lower volume/pressure or raise glucose. Pressure elevation distinguishes RAAS's role, critical for hypotension response, contrasting with glucose or volume reduction effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The posterior pituitary produces zero hormones it stores and releases ADH and oxytocin, synthesized by hypothalamic neurons, via the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract. 'One' or 'two' suggest production (e.g., ADH, oxytocin), but neurohypophysis lacks glandular synthesis, unlike anterior pituitary (e.g., TSH). 'Three' exceeds known outputs no third hormone exists. Its role as a neural extension for hypothalamic hormones distinguishes it, key to understanding pituitary division, unlike hormone-generating glands.