An adult client in the endocrine clinic expresses concern that recent blood work revealed a low level of growth hormone (GH). What is the best explanation that the nurse can provide regarding the effect of this abnormality?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Low growth hormone (GH) in adults isn't abnormal GH peaks in youth for growth, declining naturally post-epiphyseal closure, with minimal adult roles (metabolism, muscle maintenance). Bone abnormalities (e.g., acromegaly) stem from GH excess, not deficit. Growth spurts require high GH pre-closure, impossible in adults. Health concerns (e.g., fatigue) may arise, but low GH is typical, not alarming. Its normal adult decline distinguishes it, key to age-related endocrine shifts, unlike excess or juvenile effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hyperparathyroidism, excess PTH, overstimulates osteoclasts, weakening bones and risking fractures by elevating blood calcium. Bone deposition decreases, and convulsions may occur from hypocalcemia (opposite condition), not hypercalcemia. 'All' is incorrect. Fractures distinguish this pathology, key to diagnosing skeletal effects of prolonged PTH elevation, contrasting with deposition or neurological symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Human placental lactogen (hPL), from the placenta, prepares breasts for lactation by stimulating mammary growth and shifts maternal metabolism to favor fetal nutrition. It doesn't nourish the placenta or regulate menstruation (absent in pregnancy). 'All' is incorrect. Breast preparation distinguishes hPL's role, vital for postpartum milk production, contrasting with placental or cycle functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Endocrine glands secrete hormones, chemical messengers, into the bloodstream for distant target organs, like thyroid releasing thyroxine to regulate metabolism systemically. Duct transport defines exocrine glands (e.g., sweat, sebaceous), not endocrine hormones bypass ducts. Neurotransmitters in synaptic clefts are neural, not glandular, actions (e.g., acetylcholine at synapses). Sebaceous and sweat glands are exocrine, releasing sebum or sweat externally, not hormones internally. Bloodstream delivery distinguishes endocrine function, key to their regulatory role across tissues, unlike localized or external secretions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The posterior pituitary stores and releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, synthesized in the hypothalamus, via neural connections ADH conserves water, oxytocin aids childbirth/lactation. The adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), not these. The thyroid secretes T3, T4, and calcitonin, unrelated to ADH/oxytocin. The pineal gland releases melatonin for sleep cycles. Posterior pituitary's neurohypophyseal role as a storage/release site distinguishes it, critical for hypothalamic hormone delivery, unlike steroid or metabolic glands.