After starting treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus 6 months earlier, a patient is in the office for a follow-up examination. The nurse will monitor which laboratory test to evaluate the patient’s adherence to the antidiabetic therapy over the past few months?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin A1C level. Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a better assessment of long-term glycemic control. This is important in evaluating the patient's adherence to antidiabetic therapy over the past few months. Choice A (Hemoglobin levels) is not as specific to monitoring diabetes control as Hemoglobin A1C. Choice C (Fingerstick fasting blood glucose level) provides a snapshot of glucose levels at a single point in time, not reflecting long-term control. Choice D (Serum insulin levels) does not directly measure the patient's adherence to antidiabetic therapy or overall glycemic control.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Somatostatin inhibits the release of growth hormone, insulin, and thyrotropin. It acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter, regulating the endocrine system. By inhibiting these hormones, somatostatin helps maintain homeostasis in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because somatostatin does not selectively inhibit only one of these hormones; it affects all of them.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hyperprolactinemia causes an increase in prolactin levels, which can lead to amenorrhea due to inhibition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, gynecomastia due to decreased testosterone levels, and depressed fertility due to disrupted ovulation. Multiple ovulation is not typically a direct consequence of hyperprolactinemia, as it primarily affects the menstrual cycle and fertility. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cryptorchism in a boy less than 7 years old. Gonadotropins are not indicated in cryptorchism as it is a condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. Gonadotropins are used to treat conditions like hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, amenorrhoea, infertility, and polycystic ovaries by stimulating the production of sex hormones. For the other choices: A) Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in males - correct, as gonadotropins can help stimulate testosterone production. C) Amenorrhoea and infertility in women - correct, as gonadotropins can help induce ovulation. D) Polycystic ovaries - correct, as gonadotropins can help regulate hormone levels and promote ovulation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum TSH level. Serum TSH level is the most reliable guide for adjusting thyroxine dose in hypothyroidism because it directly reflects the body's feedback mechanism to regulate thyroid hormone levels. Elevated TSH indicates the body is trying to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormone, suggesting the need for an increase in thyroxine dose. Conversely, low TSH levels indicate potential over-replacement, necessitating a reduction in thyroxine dose. Pulse rate (A) and body weight (B) can be influenced by various factors and are not specific indicators of thyroid hormone levels. Serum thyroxine level (C) can be affected by the timing of the last medication dose and does not provide feedback on the body's overall thyroid status like TSH does.