Page | 1
[NUR 170 EXAM 3 MED SURG ENDOCRINE SYSTEM] ACTUAL
EXAM [ QUESTION 1- 200] AND ANSWERS 2026/2027 100%
VERIFIED|DETAILED RATIONALES –PASS GUARANTEED A+
GRADED |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Introduction:
The NUR 170 Exam 3 Med Surg Endocrine System practice set is a comprehensive resource
meticulously designed to prepare nursing students for the complexities of endocrine disorders.
This exam-level material covers critical pathophysiological concepts, nursing interventions,
diagnostic interpretations, and pharmacological management essential for patient care.
Understanding the endocrine system is vital for clinical success, as it involves the regulation of
metabolism, electrolyte balance, and homeostatic stability. This practice set provides 200 high-
quality, scenario-based questions that mirror the rigor of the official NUR 170 curriculum. By
engaging with these questions, candidates will strengthen their clinical judgment, improve
their ability to prioritize care for patients with endocrine imbalances, and enhance their
proficiency in recognizing life-threatening complications. This material serves as a roadmap
to mastery, ensuring students are well-equipped to achieve an A+ grade. Each question is
designed to test deep knowledge rather than rote memorization, helping candidates confidently
navigate both their course exams and real-world clinical challenges. Preparedness is the
cornerstone of passing; utilize these questions to solidify your foundation in endocrine
nursing practice.
Core Domains Covered:
1. Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders: Assessment and nursing management of conditions
like Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH, focusing on fluid and electrolyte balance.
2. Thyroid Disorders: Managing hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid emergencies
such as thyroid storm and myxedema coma.
3. Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluating calcium homeostasis in patients with
hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, and the nursing implications for bone health
and neuromuscular status.
4. Adrenal Gland Disorders: Assessing and treating Cushing’s Syndrome, Addison’s Disease,
and Pheochromocytoma, with emphasis on corticosteroid replacement and hemodynamic
stability.
5. Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome: Pathophysiology, acute complications (DKA,
HHS), and chronic management strategies including insulin therapy and dietary education.
Question 1: A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize in the assessment?
A) Serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L
B) C) Urine specific gravity of 1.002
D) Significant weight gain
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH, leading to the excretion
of large volumes of dilute urine. A specific gravity of 1.002 indicates very dilute urine, which
is a hallmark of DI. Option A is incorrect because sodium levels in DI are typically elevated
,Page | 2
due to water loss. Option D is incorrect because patients with DI typically experience weight
loss due to fluid loss, not gain.
Question 2: Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing a thyroid
storm?
A) Administering a warm blanket to improve peripheral circulation
B) C) Maintaining a quiet, low-stimulus environment
D) Encouraging high-intensity physical activity to improve metabolism
Rationale: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening hypermetabolic state. The priority is to decrease
metabolic demands and calm the patient. A quiet environment reduces agitation. Option A is
incorrect because the patient is already hyperthermic. Option D is incorrect because physical
activity would further increase the already dangerous metabolic rate.
Question 3: A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I need to take my medication exactly as prescribed every day."
B) "I will carry a medical alert identification bracelet at all times."
C) D) "I can stop taking my prednisone when I feel better."
D) "I need to increase my salt intake during hot weather."
Rationale: Patients with Addison’s disease require lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Stopping corticosteroids abruptly can lead to an Addisonian crisis, which is fatal. Option A is
correct, and Option D is correct regarding salt, so the incorrect statement is C.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a patient following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires
immediate notification of the provider?
A) A hoarse voice when the patient speaks
B) C) Laryngeal stridor and respiratory distress
D) Mild soreness at the incision site
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, possibly due to edema or
hypocalcemia-induced tetany, and is a medical emergency. Option A is a common side effect
of intubation. Option D is expected post-operative discomfort.
Question 5: A patient with Type 1 Diabetes presents with an initial blood glucose level of 450
mg/dL, ketones in the urine, and Kussmaul respirations. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A) Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
B) C) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
D) Hypoglycemic reaction
Rationale: The presence of ketones in the urine and Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid
breathing to compensate for acidosis) are diagnostic indicators for DKA. HHS typically occurs
in Type 2 diabetes without significant ketosis. Option D is incorrect because the blood sugar is
high, not low.
Question 6: Which laboratory result should the nurse expect in a patient diagnosed with SIADH?
A) B) Serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L
B) Urine specific gravity of 1.005
C) Serum osmolality of 300 mOsm/kg
,Page | 3
D) High blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Rationale: SIADH causes excess water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. A serum
sodium level of 125 mEq/L reflects this dilution. Option B is incorrect because urine in
SIADH is concentrated (high specific gravity). Option C is incorrect because serum osmolality
should be low.
Question 7: A patient with Cushing’s Syndrome is likely to demonstrate which assessment
finding?
A) Hypotension and weight loss
B) C) Truncal obesity and purple striae
D) Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome involves excess cortisol, resulting in characteristic physical
changes including "buffalo hump," moon face, truncal obesity, and abdominal striae. Option
A and D are characteristic of Addison’s disease.
Question 8: When caring for a patient with hypoparathyroidism, which intervention is most
critical to include in the plan of care?
A) Increasing dietary phosphorus intake
B) C) Maintaining seizure precautions and monitoring calcium levels
D) Encouraging early ambulation to prevent bone loss
Rationale: Hypoparathyroidism leads to hypocalcemia, which increases neuromuscular
excitability, putting the patient at risk for seizures and tetany. Calcium replacement is the
priority. Option A is incorrect because phosphorus is already high in these patients.
Question 9: A patient receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy should be monitored for which
of the following?
A) B) Hyperglycemia
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Excessive weight loss
D) Hypotension
Rationale: Corticosteroids promote gluconeogenesis and decrease the peripheral uptake of
glucose, often resulting in drug-induced hyperglycemia. Option B, C, and D are incorrect as
corticosteroids generally cause weight gain and hypertension.
Question 10: Which assessment is the most reliable indicator of fluid status in a patient with a
pituitary disorder?
A) Blood pressure readings
B) C) Daily weights
D) Skin turgor assessment
Rationale: Daily weights are the most sensitive and reliable indicator of fluid balance. Rapid
changes in weight correlate directly with fluid loss or retention in endocrine patients.
Question 11: A nurse is assessing a patient with newly diagnosed Graves' disease. Which finding
is expected during the physical examination?
A) Dry, coarse skin and cold intolerance
B) C) Exophthalmos and fine tremors
, Page | 4
D) Bradycardia and weight gain
Rationale: Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition causing hyperthyroidism. Classic
manifestations include exophthalmos (protruding eyes), heat intolerance, fine tremors,
tachycardia, and weight loss. Options A and D describe hypothyroidism.
Question 12: A patient is scheduled for an adrenalectomy due to a pheochromocytoma. Which
pre-operative nursing action is of the highest priority?
A) Teaching the patient about low-sodium diets
B) C) Monitoring blood pressure and administering prescribed alpha-adrenergic blockers
D) Administering a bolus of intravenous potassium
Rationale: Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla that
causes severe hypertension. Pre-operative control of blood pressure using alpha-adrenergic
blockers is essential to prevent a hypertensive crisis during surgery. Option A and D are not
priorities compared to hemodynamic stabilization.
Question 13: A patient with myxedema coma is brought to the emergency department. Which
intervention should the nurse anticipate first?
A) Administering oral levothyroxine tablets
B) C) Maintaining a patent airway and providing mechanical ventilation support
D) Applying heating blankets rapidly to normalize body temperature
Rationale: Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening manifestation of hypothyroidism
characterized by respiratory depression and hypothermia. Airway management and breathing
support are always the top priority. Option A is incorrect because oral absorption is unreliable
in a comatose patient (IV thyroid hormones are required). Option D is incorrect because rapid
rewarming can cause vasodilation and vascular collapse.
Question 14: Which dietary instruction should be provided to a patient diagnosed with
hyperthyroidism?
A) Limit caloric intake to prevent sudden weight gain
B) C) Increase caloric and protein intake to compensate for a high metabolic rate
D) Restrict fluid intake to prevent peripheral edema
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism dramatically increases the basal metabolic rate, causing patients
to burn calories rapidly. They require high-calorie, high-protein diets to prevent severe muscle
wasting and weight loss. Options A, B, and D do not align with the metabolic demands of
hyperthyroidism.
Question 15: A nurse is monitoring a patient who received a dose of regular insulin one hour
ago. The patient reports feeling shaky, sweating, and dizzy. What is the nurse's immediate
action?
A) Administer a long-acting insulin injection
B) C) Check the blood glucose level and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate
D) Document the findings and recheck the patient in two hours
Rationale: These symptoms indicate hypoglycemia. The nurse must immediately verify the
blood glucose level and provide 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., fruit juice) if
conscious. Waiting or giving more insulin would be dangerous.
[NUR 170 EXAM 3 MED SURG ENDOCRINE SYSTEM] ACTUAL
EXAM [ QUESTION 1- 200] AND ANSWERS 2026/2027 100%
VERIFIED|DETAILED RATIONALES –PASS GUARANTEED A+
GRADED |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Introduction:
The NUR 170 Exam 3 Med Surg Endocrine System practice set is a comprehensive resource
meticulously designed to prepare nursing students for the complexities of endocrine disorders.
This exam-level material covers critical pathophysiological concepts, nursing interventions,
diagnostic interpretations, and pharmacological management essential for patient care.
Understanding the endocrine system is vital for clinical success, as it involves the regulation of
metabolism, electrolyte balance, and homeostatic stability. This practice set provides 200 high-
quality, scenario-based questions that mirror the rigor of the official NUR 170 curriculum. By
engaging with these questions, candidates will strengthen their clinical judgment, improve
their ability to prioritize care for patients with endocrine imbalances, and enhance their
proficiency in recognizing life-threatening complications. This material serves as a roadmap
to mastery, ensuring students are well-equipped to achieve an A+ grade. Each question is
designed to test deep knowledge rather than rote memorization, helping candidates confidently
navigate both their course exams and real-world clinical challenges. Preparedness is the
cornerstone of passing; utilize these questions to solidify your foundation in endocrine
nursing practice.
Core Domains Covered:
1. Pituitary and Hypothalamic Disorders: Assessment and nursing management of conditions
like Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH, focusing on fluid and electrolyte balance.
2. Thyroid Disorders: Managing hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid emergencies
such as thyroid storm and myxedema coma.
3. Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluating calcium homeostasis in patients with
hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, and the nursing implications for bone health
and neuromuscular status.
4. Adrenal Gland Disorders: Assessing and treating Cushing’s Syndrome, Addison’s Disease,
and Pheochromocytoma, with emphasis on corticosteroid replacement and hemodynamic
stability.
5. Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome: Pathophysiology, acute complications (DKA,
HHS), and chronic management strategies including insulin therapy and dietary education.
Question 1: A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize in the assessment?
A) Serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L
B) C) Urine specific gravity of 1.002
D) Significant weight gain
Rationale: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH, leading to the excretion
of large volumes of dilute urine. A specific gravity of 1.002 indicates very dilute urine, which
is a hallmark of DI. Option A is incorrect because sodium levels in DI are typically elevated
,Page | 2
due to water loss. Option D is incorrect because patients with DI typically experience weight
loss due to fluid loss, not gain.
Question 2: Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing a thyroid
storm?
A) Administering a warm blanket to improve peripheral circulation
B) C) Maintaining a quiet, low-stimulus environment
D) Encouraging high-intensity physical activity to improve metabolism
Rationale: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening hypermetabolic state. The priority is to decrease
metabolic demands and calm the patient. A quiet environment reduces agitation. Option A is
incorrect because the patient is already hyperthermic. Option D is incorrect because physical
activity would further increase the already dangerous metabolic rate.
Question 3: A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) "I need to take my medication exactly as prescribed every day."
B) "I will carry a medical alert identification bracelet at all times."
C) D) "I can stop taking my prednisone when I feel better."
D) "I need to increase my salt intake during hot weather."
Rationale: Patients with Addison’s disease require lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Stopping corticosteroids abruptly can lead to an Addisonian crisis, which is fatal. Option A is
correct, and Option D is correct regarding salt, so the incorrect statement is C.
Question 4: A nurse is caring for a patient following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires
immediate notification of the provider?
A) A hoarse voice when the patient speaks
B) C) Laryngeal stridor and respiratory distress
D) Mild soreness at the incision site
Rationale: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, possibly due to edema or
hypocalcemia-induced tetany, and is a medical emergency. Option A is a common side effect
of intubation. Option D is expected post-operative discomfort.
Question 5: A patient with Type 1 Diabetes presents with an initial blood glucose level of 450
mg/dL, ketones in the urine, and Kussmaul respirations. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A) Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
B) C) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
D) Hypoglycemic reaction
Rationale: The presence of ketones in the urine and Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid
breathing to compensate for acidosis) are diagnostic indicators for DKA. HHS typically occurs
in Type 2 diabetes without significant ketosis. Option D is incorrect because the blood sugar is
high, not low.
Question 6: Which laboratory result should the nurse expect in a patient diagnosed with SIADH?
A) B) Serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L
B) Urine specific gravity of 1.005
C) Serum osmolality of 300 mOsm/kg
,Page | 3
D) High blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Rationale: SIADH causes excess water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. A serum
sodium level of 125 mEq/L reflects this dilution. Option B is incorrect because urine in
SIADH is concentrated (high specific gravity). Option C is incorrect because serum osmolality
should be low.
Question 7: A patient with Cushing’s Syndrome is likely to demonstrate which assessment
finding?
A) Hypotension and weight loss
B) C) Truncal obesity and purple striae
D) Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome involves excess cortisol, resulting in characteristic physical
changes including "buffalo hump," moon face, truncal obesity, and abdominal striae. Option
A and D are characteristic of Addison’s disease.
Question 8: When caring for a patient with hypoparathyroidism, which intervention is most
critical to include in the plan of care?
A) Increasing dietary phosphorus intake
B) C) Maintaining seizure precautions and monitoring calcium levels
D) Encouraging early ambulation to prevent bone loss
Rationale: Hypoparathyroidism leads to hypocalcemia, which increases neuromuscular
excitability, putting the patient at risk for seizures and tetany. Calcium replacement is the
priority. Option A is incorrect because phosphorus is already high in these patients.
Question 9: A patient receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy should be monitored for which
of the following?
A) B) Hyperglycemia
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Excessive weight loss
D) Hypotension
Rationale: Corticosteroids promote gluconeogenesis and decrease the peripheral uptake of
glucose, often resulting in drug-induced hyperglycemia. Option B, C, and D are incorrect as
corticosteroids generally cause weight gain and hypertension.
Question 10: Which assessment is the most reliable indicator of fluid status in a patient with a
pituitary disorder?
A) Blood pressure readings
B) C) Daily weights
D) Skin turgor assessment
Rationale: Daily weights are the most sensitive and reliable indicator of fluid balance. Rapid
changes in weight correlate directly with fluid loss or retention in endocrine patients.
Question 11: A nurse is assessing a patient with newly diagnosed Graves' disease. Which finding
is expected during the physical examination?
A) Dry, coarse skin and cold intolerance
B) C) Exophthalmos and fine tremors
, Page | 4
D) Bradycardia and weight gain
Rationale: Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition causing hyperthyroidism. Classic
manifestations include exophthalmos (protruding eyes), heat intolerance, fine tremors,
tachycardia, and weight loss. Options A and D describe hypothyroidism.
Question 12: A patient is scheduled for an adrenalectomy due to a pheochromocytoma. Which
pre-operative nursing action is of the highest priority?
A) Teaching the patient about low-sodium diets
B) C) Monitoring blood pressure and administering prescribed alpha-adrenergic blockers
D) Administering a bolus of intravenous potassium
Rationale: Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla that
causes severe hypertension. Pre-operative control of blood pressure using alpha-adrenergic
blockers is essential to prevent a hypertensive crisis during surgery. Option A and D are not
priorities compared to hemodynamic stabilization.
Question 13: A patient with myxedema coma is brought to the emergency department. Which
intervention should the nurse anticipate first?
A) Administering oral levothyroxine tablets
B) C) Maintaining a patent airway and providing mechanical ventilation support
D) Applying heating blankets rapidly to normalize body temperature
Rationale: Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening manifestation of hypothyroidism
characterized by respiratory depression and hypothermia. Airway management and breathing
support are always the top priority. Option A is incorrect because oral absorption is unreliable
in a comatose patient (IV thyroid hormones are required). Option D is incorrect because rapid
rewarming can cause vasodilation and vascular collapse.
Question 14: Which dietary instruction should be provided to a patient diagnosed with
hyperthyroidism?
A) Limit caloric intake to prevent sudden weight gain
B) C) Increase caloric and protein intake to compensate for a high metabolic rate
D) Restrict fluid intake to prevent peripheral edema
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism dramatically increases the basal metabolic rate, causing patients
to burn calories rapidly. They require high-calorie, high-protein diets to prevent severe muscle
wasting and weight loss. Options A, B, and D do not align with the metabolic demands of
hyperthyroidism.
Question 15: A nurse is monitoring a patient who received a dose of regular insulin one hour
ago. The patient reports feeling shaky, sweating, and dizzy. What is the nurse's immediate
action?
A) Administer a long-acting insulin injection
B) C) Check the blood glucose level and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate
D) Document the findings and recheck the patient in two hours
Rationale: These symptoms indicate hypoglycemia. The nurse must immediately verify the
blood glucose level and provide 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., fruit juice) if
conscious. Waiting or giving more insulin would be dangerous.
