ATI RN
Endocrine System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
For the patient with pheochromocytoma, what physical assessment technique should you instruct the LPN/LVN to avoid?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the case of a patient with pheochromocytoma, instructing the LPN/LVN to avoid palpation of the abdomen (Option A) is crucial due to the risk of triggering a hypertensive crisis. Palpation can stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor, leading to a sudden surge in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for the patient. Auscultation of lung sounds (Option B) is a safe assessment technique in this scenario as it does not pose any risk of exacerbating the patient's condition. Assessing lung sounds can provide valuable information about respiratory function and detect any abnormalities such as crackles or wheezes. Similarly, inspection of the skin for lesions (Option C) is a non-invasive assessment that does not directly impact the patient's blood pressure or catecholamine levels. It can help identify any skin changes or abnormalities that may be indicative of underlying conditions or side effects of treatment. Checking the peripheral pulses (Option D) is also a safe practice that can provide information about circulation and perfusion without posing a risk of triggering a hypertensive crisis in a patient with pheochromocytoma. Educationally, it is important to highlight the significance of understanding specific patient conditions and tailoring assessment techniques accordingly to ensure patient safety and optimal care. By avoiding palpation of the abdomen in this case, healthcare providers can prevent potentially harmful complications and promote a safe clinical environment.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse assesses an older client. What age-related physiologic changes would the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dehydration. As people age, their body's ability to conserve water decreases, making older adults more prone to dehydration. Age-related physiologic changes such as decreased thirst sensation and reduced kidney function contribute to this. Heat intolerance (A) is not a common age-related change. Rheumatoid arthritis (B) is an autoimmune condition not directly associated with aging. Increased appetite (D) can occur due to various factors but is not a consistent age-related change. Overall, C is the most likely physiological change in older adults due to their altered fluid balance mechanisms.
Question 3 of 5
A child overdoses on a drug that affects both the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. As blood level of the drug rises, he experiences hypertension and tachycardia, accompanied by skeletal muscle tremor. Further elevations of the drug cause all the expected signs and symptoms of autonomic ganglionic blockade, plus weakness and eventual paralysis of skeletal muscle. Which of the following drugs did the child most likely ingest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nicotine. Nicotine affects both the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. Initially, the child experiences hypertension, tachycardia, and skeletal muscle tremor due to stimulation of both systems. As the blood level rises, autonomic ganglionic blockade occurs, leading to weakness and paralysis. Bethanechol (A) is a cholinergic agonist, unlikely to cause these symptoms. Pilocarpine (C) is also a cholinergic agonist but does not affect the somatic nervous system. Scopolamine (D) is an anticholinergic drug, which would not cause the symptoms described.
Question 4 of 5
A 38-year-old farmer is brought to the emergency room by his wife with symptoms of sudden difficulty breathing, sweatiness, and anxiety. He was spraying insecticide when this happened. It has been 25 minutes since the symptoms started. The patient is emergently intubated and given atropine and another medication that acts to reactivate acetylcholinesterase. What medication is it?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pralidoxime. Pralidoxime is used to reactivate acetylcholinesterase in cases of organophosphate poisoning, which is likely the cause of the patient's symptoms after spraying insecticide. Reactivating acetylcholinesterase helps to break down excess acetylcholine, reducing the toxic effects of the insecticide. Physostigmine (choice A) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which would worsen the patient's condition. Propranolol (choice B) is a beta-blocker and does not address the underlying issue of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Phenylephrine (choice D) is a sympathomimetic drug used for vasoconstriction and would not be appropriate in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
Non-selective β-blockers are contraindicated in:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peripheral vascular disease. Non-selective β-blockers can cause vasoconstriction and exacerbate peripheral vascular disease by reducing blood flow to the extremities. This can lead to worsening symptoms and potential tissue damage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because non-selective β-blockers are commonly used in angina of effort, systemic hypertension, and thyrotoxicosis, respectively, to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.