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NURS 3525- Endocrine Exam Questions And 100% Correct
Answers 2025- 2026
Hypothalamus Master controller- stimulates and inhibits release of hormones Pituitary gland master gland anterior pituitary gland secretes prolactin, ACTH, Gonadotropin, TSH, and growth hormones what hormones does the adrenal medulla release? catecholamine (epi and norepi) what hormones does the adrenal cortex release? Sugar (glucocorticoids), salt (mineralocorticoids), sex (FSH/LH) what hormones does the posterior pituitary release? ADH and oxytocin what does the posterior pituitary do? stores up hormones (like Walmart of glands) what hormones does the thyroid produce?
T3, T4, calcitonin what does the parathyroid do? regulate serum calcium levels, Pro Athletes Got To Grow prolactin, ACTH, gonadotropin, TSH, growth subjective data for endocrine assessment past health history (including family Hx), medications (hormone replacement, herbal meds), surgeries or other tx (past radiation to head or neck), current general health nutrition/metabolic changes elimination pattern (constipated or diarrhea) activity/exercise (fatigue) cognitive (memory) sexuality (libido) coping Objective data for endocrine assessment VS, height and weight mental/emotions skin head and neck thorax abdomen extremities
How is a growth hormone test done? tested at various times because GH levels pulsate Clinical manifestations of acromegaly Thickening and enlargement of bony and soft tissue proximal muscle weakness and joint pain carpel tunnel peripheral neuropathy deep voice sleep apnea thick, leathery, and oily skin visual changes HA glucose tolerance test What is the goal of acromegaly tx? return pt's GH levels to normal Tx for acromegaly surgery, radiation therapy, medications
What is hydrophysectomy? removal of the pituitary gland What would be some nursing diagnosis of acromegaly? body image decreased, sleep disturbances, oxygen issues hypophysectomy nursing considerations assess for near deficits (LOQ, AAOx3, speech, pupils, etc) monitor VS assess peripheral pulse monitor neuro evaluate for hematoma check for presence of CSF (glucose in fluids, persistent HA) evaluate dressings and drainage keep HOP elevate at least 30* strict I/O monitor fluid balance pt education for hyspophysectomy
- deep breathing
- pain management
- high fiber diet
- oral care every 4 hours
- avoid coughing, sneezing, blowing nose
- avoid bending at the waist
- avoid straining
T3, T4, and calcitonin increased disorder of the thyroid goiter, nodules, cancer, thyroiditis goiter enlarged thyroid what causes a goiter? lack of iodine in diet, or over/under production of hormone thyroiditis cause inflammation of thyroid, can be viral or bacterial nodules complications tracheal compression, inability to breath cancer tx in thyroid removal or whole or part of thyroid clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism increased BP, HR, diarrhea, hot intolerant, exophthalmos, fatigued, weight loss, anorexia hyperthyroidism classic sign Exophthalmos (bug eyes) what is Graves' disease? the severest form of hyperthyroidism what would be an assessment finding of hyperthyroidism? palpation of goiter, auscultation of bruits over thyroid thyroid storm
acute, severe condition- extreme HTN, pulse, seizures, diarrhea, what causes a thyroid storm? infection, trauma, surgery diagnostics for graves disease labs- low of undetectable TSH and RAIU propylthiouracil block conversion of T4 to T pt teaching for propylthiouracil take 3x per day, improvements are seen within 1 - 2 week, results within 4 - 8 weeks, therapy continued over 6 - 15 months, side effects- hypothyroidism S/S because of risk for overcorrection antithyroid medications propylthiouracil and methimazole saturated fluid of potassium K+ iodine with iodine in water that is useful in tx of thyroid storm after surgery pt teaching with saturated fluid of potassium max effects seen within a week, mix with juice or water, take with meals, sip through straw (causes staining of teeth) TX for hyperthyroidism antithyroid medications, iodine, beta blockers, RAIT, surgery, radiation
Causes Hypothyroidism iodine deficiency, atrophy of thyroid gland, medications Clinical Manifestations Hypothyroidism fatigue, lethargy, impaired memory, loss of initiative, depressed, intolerance to cold, weight gain, constipation, diminished rate and force of the heart Diagnostic Test for Hypothyroidism elevated TSH, decreased T4, Presence of antibodies, high cholesterol, high triglyceride, anemia, elevated creatine kinase indicates muscle damage what medication is used to tx hypothyroidism? Levothyroxine (Synthroid) tx for hypothyroidism medication, monitor thyroid levels, nutrition (low calorie diet), pt and caregiver teaching can you switch which hypothyroid medication you are on? no, it has to be the same medication for your life what needs to be checked before administration of levothyroxine? BP and HR ` how long doe it take levothyroxine to reach therapeutic levels? up to 8 weeks nursing interventions for hypothyroidism hx and physical, assess for thyroid tenderness, monitor VS, assess mental status, assess skin note any edema, assess speech, monitor wt and appetite changes, assess cold intolerance, assess constipation, medicate, pt education When does one medicate the patient with levothyroxine?
Before breakfast and with no other medications What is the severe complication of hypothyroidism? Myxedema coma What is the progression of myxedema coma? Mental sluggishness → drowsy →lethargic→ impaired consciousness→ coma Causes of myxedema coma infection, drugs, exposure to cold, trauma clinical manifestation of myxedema coma puffiness, facial edema, mask like appearance nursing interventions for myxedema coma stabilization of pt (maintain respiratory status, tx hypothermia, tx HoTN), IV thyroid therapy, manage hyponatremia and hypoglycemia function of parathyroid regulates calcium and phosphorus, secretes PTH what is the function of PTH? takes Ca+ from bones to the blood stream when Ca+ is low hyperparathyroidism increase secretion of parathyroid hormone
nursing interventions surgical treatment for hyperparathyroidism medical treatment, partial or complete removal of parathyroid gland, post operative care similar to thyroidectomy nonsurgical interventions for hyperthyroidism frequent labs, yearly x-ray and DEXA scan to monitor bone loss, promote activity, plenty of fluids to avoid stones, educate pt about hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia s/s How does one treat severe hypercalcemia? IV sodium chloride and loop diuretic Is hypoparathyroidism a common disease to have solo? No, rarely on its own Clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism tingling of lips and fingers, spasms or stiffness of muscles, laryngospasms, chvostek's and trousseau's sign Acute setting Interventions for hypoparathyroidism assess and treat tetany, check Ca+ immediately post-op if it was a thyroid removal, have Ca+ gluconate available, teaching regarding supplements, diet high in Ca+ foods high in Ca+ dairy, dark leafy greens, soy, tofu can you give spinach and rhubarb for Ca+? no, they inhibit Ca+ and Vitamin D absorption can you strop corticosteroids immediately? no, could throw the pt into adrenal crisis side effects of corticosteroids
hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, impaired healing, monitored BP, infection risk, mood/behavior changes, moon face and truncal fat distribution, impacted bone density/formations nursing interventions for corticosteroids morning dose with food to minimize gastric disturbance, tapered withdrawal, after > months use: assess for osteoporosis, recommend Ca+ supplement, exercise corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, abdominal pain
