1. A young adult patient is being seen in the clinic with increased secretion of the anterior
pituitary hormones. The nurse would expect the laboratory
... [Show More] test results to show
a. increased urinary cortisol. c. elevated serum aldosterone levels.
b. decreased serum thyroxine. d. low urinary catecholamines excretion.
ANS: A
Increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the anterior pituitary gland
will lead to an increase in serum and urinary cortisol levels. An increase, rather than a
decrease, in thyroxine level would be expected with increased secretion of thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH) by the anterior pituitary. Aldosterone and catecholamine levels are not
controlled by the anterior pituitary.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 1107
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
2. Which statement by a 50-yr-old female patient indicates to the nurse that further assessment of
thyroid function may be necessary?
a. “I notice my breasts are tender lately.”
b. “I am so thirsty that I drink all day long.”
c. “I get up several times at night to urinate.”
d. “I feel a lump in my throat when I swallow.”
ANS: D
Difficulty in swallowing can occur with a goiter. Nocturia is associated with diseases such as
diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or chronic kidney disease. Breast tenderness would occur
with excessive gonadal hormone levels. Thirst is a sign of disease such as diabetes.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1109
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
3. A patient seen in the emergency department for severe headache and acute confusion has a
serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L. The nurse will anticipate the need for which diagnostic
test?
a. Urinary 17-ketosteroids
b. Antidiuretic hormone level
c. Growth hormone stimulation test
d. Adrenocorticotropic hormone level
ANS: B
Elevated levels of antidiuretic hormone will cause water retention and decrease serum sodium
levels. The other tests would not be helpful in determining possible causes of the patient’s
hyponatremia.
DIF: Cognitive L [Show Less]