ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions Endocrine System Questions
Question 1 of 5
To ensure accurate results of a fasting blood glucose analysis, the nurse instructs the patient to fast for at least how long?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) 8 hours. Fasting for at least 8 hours is necessary to ensure accurate results of a fasting blood glucose analysis. This time period allows the body to metabolize any food consumed, resulting in a baseline blood glucose level. Failing to fast for the required duration can lead to elevated blood glucose levels due to recent food intake, providing inaccurate results. Option A) 2 hours is too short of a fasting period to accurately reflect baseline blood glucose levels. Option B) 4 hours is also insufficient for the body to metabolize food completely, leading to inaccurate results. Option D) 12 hours is too long of a fasting period and may lead to hypoglycemia in some individuals, making it unnecessary for a routine fasting blood glucose test. In an educational context, understanding the importance of fasting duration for blood tests is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Patients must be educated on the proper fasting requirements to ensure reliable test results, leading to appropriate medical interventions.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse should observe the patient for symptoms of ketoacidosis when
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) an insulin deficit causes the body to metabolize large amounts of fatty acids rather than glucose for energy. This is because in the absence of sufficient insulin, the body is unable to utilize glucose for energy and instead turns to breaking down fats, leading to ketone production and subsequent ketoacidosis. Option A is incorrect because bicarbonate loss due to illnesses causing nausea and vomiting does not directly lead to ketoacidosis. Option B is incorrect because although high glucose levels can lead to osmotic diuresis, it does not directly cause ketoacidosis. Option D is incorrect because skipping meals after taking insulin can lead to hypoglycemia, not ketoacidosis. In an educational context, understanding the pathophysiology of ketoacidosis is crucial for nurses caring for patients with diabetes. Recognizing the signs and symptoms that can lead to ketoacidosis allows for timely intervention and prevention of this serious complication. By grasping the underlying mechanisms, nurses can provide optimal care and education to prevent ketoacidosis in patients with diabetes.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with SIADH is treated with water restriction. What does the patient experience when the nurse determines that treatment has been effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct answer: Increased urine output, increased serum sodium, and decreased urine specific gravity. When a patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) is treated with water restriction, the goal is to correct the excess water retention and dilutional hyponatremia caused by the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone. The correct answer reflects the expected outcomes of effective treatment. With water restriction, the patient will excrete more water through increased urine output, leading to a reduction in total body water. As a result, the serum sodium concentration will increase back to normal levels, addressing the initial hyponatremia. The decrease in urine specific gravity indicates that the urine is becoming less concentrated as the body eliminates excess water. Now, let's analyze the other options: - Option A: This is incorrect as it suggests decreased serum sodium, which is the opposite of the expected outcome of treatment for SIADH. - Option C: This is incorrect as it suggests decreased urine output, which would not be expected with effective treatment for SIADH. - Option D: This is incorrect as it suggests decreased serum sodium, which is not the expected result of treatment for SIADH. Educationally, understanding the treatment and expected outcomes of SIADH is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to provide effective care to patients with this condition. Recognizing the signs of effective treatment, such as the changes in urine output, serum sodium levels, and urine specific gravity, is essential for monitoring the patient's response to therapy and ensuring positive outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has identified the nursing diagnosis of fatigue for a patient who is hypothyroid. What should the nurse do while caring for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Monitor for vital signs and cardiac rhythm response to activity. The nurse should monitor vital signs and cardiac rhythm in a patient with hypothyroidism experiencing fatigue because hypothyroidism can lead to a decrease in metabolic rate, cardiovascular function, and overall energy levels. Monitoring these parameters can help in assessing the patient's response to activity and detecting any potential complications such as bradycardia or cardiovascular strain. Option A) Monitor for changes in orientation, cognition, and behavior, though important in assessing neurological status, is not the priority in this case as the primary concern is addressing the physiological effects of hypothyroidism on the cardiovascular system. Option C) Monitoring bowel movements is more related to gastrointestinal function and may not directly address the fatigue associated with hypothyroidism. Option D) While assisting in developing well-balanced meal plans is important for overall health, it is not the immediate priority for managing fatigue in a hypothyroid patient. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing nursing interventions based on the patient's condition and the expected physiological effects. It emphasizes the need for nurses to understand the specific manifestations of hypothyroidism and how they impact patient care.
Question 5 of 5
Priority Decision: What is the priority nursing intervention during the management of the patient with pheochromocytoma?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Administering β-adrenergic blockers. In the management of a patient with pheochromocytoma, the priority nursing intervention is to administer β-adrenergic blockers. Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause excessive release of catecholamines, leading to severe hypertension and other cardiovascular complications. β-adrenergic blockers help counteract the effects of excess catecholamines, such as high blood pressure and tachycardia, which are common in patients with pheochromocytoma. Option A) Administering IV fluids is not the priority intervention in this case because fluid administration may exacerbate hypertension in patients with pheochromocytoma due to the excess catecholamine release. Option C) Monitoring blood pressure is important but not the priority over administering β-adrenergic blockers to address the underlying cause of hypertension. Option D) Monitoring intake and output and daily weights is a routine nursing intervention but does not address the immediate need to control the cardiovascular effects of excess catecholamines in pheochromocytoma. Educational Context: Understanding the pathophysiology of pheochromocytoma and the role of β-adrenergic blockers in managing its cardiovascular manifestations is crucial for nursing practice. Prioritizing interventions based on the acute needs of the patient can prevent complications and optimize outcomes in such critical situations.