ATI RN
Pediatric Endocrine Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The hypothalamus secretes releasing or inhibiting factors to control the anterior pituitary gland. Of the following, the pituitary hormone that is elevated in a hypothalamic disease is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypothalamic disease often disrupts inhibitory control, such as dopamine’s inhibition of prolactin. Thus, prolactin levels rise due to lack of suppression, unlike other hormones (A, B, C, E) which are stimulated by hypothalamic releasing factors and may decrease in hypothalamic dysfunction.
Question 2 of 5
Hypoglycemia may result from absence or deficiency of the counter-regulatory hormones (growth hormone and cortisol). It is sometimes difficult to differentiate it from hyperinsulinism. Which of the following suggests hypoglycemia due to absence of counter-regulatory hormones rather than hyperinsulinism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Absence of counter-regulatory hormones (GH, cortisol) leads to hypoglycemia with ketosis due to unopposed fat breakdown, unlike hyperinsulinism where ketones are absent (C) due to insulin’s suppression of ketogenesis. Options B, D, and E do not distinguish effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A 16-year-old boy has delayed puberty; he doesn’t develop secondary sexual characteristics; he has a normal stature according to his chronological age. Examination reveals an upper-to-lower segment ratio of 0.8 (normal ratio is more than 0.9). Of the following, the MOST important test to confirm diagnosis is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Delayed puberty with eunuchoid proportions (low upper-to-lower ratio) suggests hypogonadism; gonadotropin levels distinguish primary (high) from secondary (low) causes, guiding further evaluation. Other tests (B, C, D, E) are less immediately diagnostic.
Question 4 of 5
A 5-day-old male neonate develops poor feeding, irritability and tachycardia; her mother has been developed hyperthyroidism before pregnancy that was treated by radioiodine. The pregnancy course was unremarkable. Lab investigations reveal markedly elevation of T4 and T3. Of the following, the MOST likely diagnosis is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neonatal hyperthyroidism is often congenital, caused by maternal thyroid-stimulating antibodies crossing the placenta, fitting this scenario. Primary (B), secondary (C), and tertiary (D) hyperthyroidism are not neonatal-specific, and radioiodine (E) doesn’t cause fetal hyperthyroidism.
Question 5 of 5
A 6-year-old boy develops precocious puberty; he has acne, pubic and axillary hair, and penile enlargement with normal testicular size. His blood pressure is elevated. Lab test reveals hypokalemia, and elevated level of deoxycorticosterone. MRI of the brain is normal. Of the following, the MOST likely enzyme deficiency for this boy is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 11-hydroxylase deficiency causes precocious puberty, hypertension, hypokalemia, and elevated deoxycorticosterone, matching this case. 21-hydroxylase (E) typically causes virilization without hypertension, and others (B, C, D) don’t fit.