ATI RN
Endocrine System Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following glands disappears during old age?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The thymus gland is the correct answer because it involutes or shrinks with age, leading to decreased immune function. The parathyroid, thyroid, and pituitary glands do not disappear with old age but may undergo changes in function. The parathyroid regulates calcium levels, the thyroid controls metabolism, and the pituitary gland secretes various hormones. Therefore, the thymus gland is the only gland that disappears during old age, making it the correct answer.
Question 2 of 5
Which condition is characterized by high blood glucose levels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: diabetes mellitus. This condition is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively. In diabetes, glucose cannot enter cells for energy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia (B) is low blood sugar levels, opposite of the question. Hypothyroidism (C) is a condition involving an underactive thyroid gland, not directly related to blood glucose levels. Hyperthyroidism (D) is an overactive thyroid gland, also not directly linked to high blood glucose levels.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents with polyuria and thirst. There appears to be no elevation of glucose in the body, however, the serum osmolality appears to be low. Upon performing the water deprivation test, the osmolatity is still low. Which of the following is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The problem is in the kidneys. In this scenario, the low serum osmolality despite water deprivation indicates the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, leading to excessive loss of water. This condition is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Choice A is incorrect as pituitary dysfunction would result in high serum osmolality due to lack of ADH. Choice C is incorrect as diabetes mellitus would show high glucose levels. Choice D is incorrect as high ADH in the serum would lead to concentrated urine and high serum osmolality.
Question 4 of 5
The secretion of which of the following would be least affected by a decrease in extracellular fluid volume?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Estrogens. When extracellular fluid volume decreases, the body activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to retain water and sodium. Estrogen is not directly involved in regulating fluid balance, so its secretion would be least affected. CRH (choice A) stimulates the release of cortisol, which affects fluid balance. Arginine vasopressin (choice B) regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys. Dehydroepiandrosterone (choice C) is a precursor to sex hormones, including estrogen.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these hormones is released by the posterior pituitary gland?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is released by the posterior pituitary gland to regulate water balance in the body by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidneys. Thyroid hormone (A) is produced by the thyroid gland, while glucagon (C) and insulin (D) are produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. ADH is the only hormone among the choices that is released by the posterior pituitary gland, making it the correct answer.