ATI RN
Endocrine System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Individualized nutrition therapy for patients using conventional, fixed insulin regimens should include teaching the patient to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) eat regular meals at regular times. Rationale: 1. **Eating regular meals at regular times**: For patients using conventional, fixed insulin regimens, maintaining a consistent meal schedule is crucial to match their insulin doses. This helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia episodes. 2. **Why the other options are wrong**: - B) Restricting calories to promote weight loss may lead to inconsistent blood sugar levels and jeopardize overall health as drastic weight changes can impact insulin sensitivity. - C) Eliminating sucrose and simple sugars is not necessary as part of individualized nutrition therapy. The focus should be on balanced meals and carbohydrate counting. - D) Limiting saturated fat intake to 30% of dietary calorie intake is a general dietary recommendation but not specific to individualized nutrition therapy for patients on fixed insulin regimens. 3. **Educational context**: - Teaching patients the importance of regular meal timing helps them understand the direct impact on their blood sugar control and overall well-being. - Emphasizing individualized nutrition therapy tailored to each patient's needs is essential in managing diabetes effectively. In conclusion, educating patients to eat regular meals at regular times aligns with the goal of optimizing blood sugar control and enhancing the effectiveness of insulin therapy in individuals with diabetes.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted to the hospital with thyrotoxicosis. On physical assessment of the patient, what should the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Elevated temperature and signs of heart failure. In thyrotoxicosis, the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as elevated temperature due to increased metabolic rate and signs of heart failure due to the effects of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system. Option A) Hoarseness and laryngeal stridor are more indicative of airway obstruction rather than thyrotoxicosis. Option B) Bulging eyeballs and dysrhythmias are symptoms of Graves' disease, a specific type of hyperthyroidism, but not exclusive to thyrotoxicosis. Option D) Lethargy progressing suddenly to impairment of consciousness is more indicative of myxedema coma, a complication of untreated hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. Understanding the specific manifestations of thyrotoxicosis is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and interventions for patients with this condition. Recognizing these signs and symptoms promptly can lead to timely treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is scheduled for a bilateral adrenalectomy. During the postoperative period, what should the nurse expect related to the administration of corticosteroids?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a patient undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy, the correct answer is C) Increased to promote an adequate response to the stress of surgery. Rationale: - The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a vital hormone for stress response and regulation of metabolism. Removal of both adrenal glands necessitates exogenous corticosteroid administration to prevent adrenal crisis. - Following adrenalectomy, the body lacks endogenous cortisol production, making exogenous corticosteroid replacement crucial to manage the body's response to stressors like surgery. - Increasing corticosteroid administration postoperatively is essential to mimic the body's natural stress response and prevent complications like hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. Incorrect options: - A) Reduced to promote wound healing: Incorrect because reducing corticosteroid administration postoperatively can lead to adrenal insufficiency and compromise stress response. - B) Withheld until symptoms of hypocortisolism appear: Incorrect as waiting for symptoms to appear delays necessary treatment, potentially leading to life-threatening adrenal crisis. - D) Reduced because excessive hormones are released during surgical manipulation of adrenal glands: Incorrect because surgery-induced hormone release underscores the need for increased corticosteroid replacement to manage stress response. Educational Context: Understanding the significance of corticosteroid administration post-bilateral adrenalectomy is crucial for nurses caring for these patients. This knowledge ensures appropriate care to prevent adrenal crisis and optimize patient outcomes. Nurses must monitor corticosteroid dosing closely, assess for signs of adrenal insufficiency, and educate patients on lifelong corticosteroid replacement therapy post-adrenalectomy.
Question 4 of 5
To prevent tissue hypertrophy or atrophy in an insulin-dependent diabetic, the nurse teaches the patient to
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) rotate injection sites. When administering insulin injections to prevent tissue hypertrophy or atrophy in an insulin-dependent diabetic, rotating injection sites is crucial. This practice helps to ensure that the same area is not repeatedly exposed to the insulin, which can lead to tissue damage or changes in fat distribution. Option A) using cold insulin is incorrect because the temperature of the insulin does not impact tissue hypertrophy or atrophy. Cold insulin may cause discomfort but does not address the issue of tissue changes. Option C) injecting the insulin directly into the fat is incorrect as it can lead to localized fat accumulation and uneven insulin absorption, which can affect blood sugar control. Option D) avoiding contaminating the needle is important for infection prevention but does not directly address the issue of tissue changes associated with insulin injections. Educationally, it is essential to teach patients about proper insulin injection techniques to prevent complications like tissue hypertrophy or atrophy. Emphasizing the importance of rotating injection sites during patient education can help promote optimal insulin absorption, reduce the risk of tissue damage, and improve overall diabetes management. This knowledge empowers patients to take control of their health and effectively manage their condition.
Question 5 of 5
Fred, a newly diagnosed diabetic, is being discharged tomorrow. Which of the following should he be taught to report to his physician?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) An ear infection following swimming. This is the correct choice because individuals with diabetes are more prone to infections due to their compromised immune system. An ear infection following swimming can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a fungal infection, which can worsen quickly in a diabetic patient. Option A) A weight loss of 2 lb may not be alarming in a general context, but for a newly diagnosed diabetic, unexpected weight loss can be a symptom of uncontrolled blood sugar levels or other underlying health issues that need immediate medical attention. Option B) Having an occasional alcoholic drink can be a concern for diabetic patients due to its impact on blood sugar levels, but it is not as urgent as reporting a potential infection. Option C) Planning to play in a tennis tournament is not an immediate concern unless it involves significant physical exertion that could affect blood sugar levels, which can be managed with appropriate adjustments to insulin or medication. Educationally, it is crucial for diabetic patients to understand the importance of promptly reporting any signs of infection or unusual symptoms to their physician to prevent complications and ensure timely treatment. Teaching patients to recognize and act on such warning signs is essential for their overall health management and well-being.