Question 1

The nurse correlates which assessment data to a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in a female patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome can cause amenorrhea, breast atrophy, and deepening of the voice due to hormonal imbalances and increased androgen levels.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the medical history of a patient with adrenal insufficiency and correlates which findings to causes of primary adrenal insufficiency? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, occurs when the adrenal glands themselves are damaged and cannot produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Causes include autoimmune disorders (E), where the body's immune system attacks the adrenal glands; infections (C), such as tuberculosis, that can damage the adrenal glands; cancer (A), which can spread to and destroy adrenal tissue; and trauma (B) to the adrenal glands. A tumor of the anterior pituitary gland (D) would be related to secondary adrenal insufficiency, not primary, because it affects the pituitary's ability to produce ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands.

Question 3

The nurse correlates examination of which body structures in the patient admitted to determine the cause for adrenal insufficiency? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Adrenal insufficiency involves the adrenal glands directly (D), and it can also be related to issues in the hypothalamus (C) and the anterior pituitary gland (E) because these structures are part of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which regulates cortisol production. The thyroid (B) and ovaries (A) are not directly involved in adrenal insufficiency.

Question 4

A patient is scheduled for a bilateral adrenalectomy. The nurse includes teaching about which disorder in preparing the patient for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral adrenalectomy involves the removal of both adrenal glands, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency due to the loss of adrenal hormone production.

Question 5

The nurse correlates which assessment data as risk factors for development of Conn's syndrome? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse correlates which assessment data as...

Question 6

In assessing the patient with hypercortisolism, the nurse correlates which clinical manifestations to this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Hypercortisolism, often resulting from conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, leads to characteristic physical changes including "moon face" (A), skin breakdown and easy bruising (B), and "buffalo hump" (C). Increased muscle mass (D) and decreased blood pressure (E) are not typical features; instead, patients may experience muscle wasting and increased blood pressure.

Question 7

The nurse develops the nursing diagnosis: "Acute pain: Headache related to increased levels of circulating catecholamines" for the patient with which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma is characterized by the overproduction of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), which can lead to severe headaches as part of its symptomatology. The other conditions listed do not directly involve increased levels of circulating catecholamines as a primary feature.

Question 8

The nurse is visiting the home of a patient with adrenal insufficiency. Which observations indicate that the patient needs to be seen by the healthcare provider immediately? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is visiting the home of...

Question 9

The nurse notes that a patient with pheochromocytoma is prescribed sodium nitroprusside (Nipride). What is the purpose of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Sodium nitroprusside (Nipride) is used to reduce blood pressure through vasodilation, which is crucial in managing the hypertension associated with pheochromocytoma.

Question 10

The nurse monitors for which clinical manifestations in the patient diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes excessive release of catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as palpitations (B), hypertension (D), and hyperglycemia (E) due to the stimulatory effects of these hormones on the heart, blood vessels, and glucose metabolism.

Quiz 42: Coordinating Care for Patients With Adrenal Disorders