Chapter 34. Endocrine Disorders
1. A nurse is describing the endocrine system to a nursing student. Which statement best
describes the negative feedback system of the pituitary gland?
a. The pituitary gland produces five hormones that are interdependent.
b. Target organs stimulate the hypothalamus, which in turn produces hormones.
c. The anterior pituitary stimulates the production of posterior pituitary hormones.
d. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that stimulate target organs to produce
specific hormones. As hormonal secretions of the target organs increase, the
pituitary gland decreases the secretion of the stimulating hormone.
ANS: D
The pituitary stimulates target organs to produce specific hormones. When enough hormone is
produced, the target organ signals the pituitary to stop secretion of the stimulating hormone.
There are six hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary; they are not interdependent. The
anterior pituitary gland stimulates target organs to produce specific hormones and does not
control production of posterior pituitary hormones.
2. Which is the priority outcome of mandatory newborn screening for hypothyroidism?
a. Appropriate community referral for affected families
b. Parental education about raising a special needs
child c. Early identification of the disorder
d. Facilitation of parentchild bonding
ANS: C
Early identification of hypothyroidism is basic to the prevention of mental retardation in the
child. Community referral is appropriate after a diagnosis is made. With early identification
and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement, mental retardation is prevented. Facilitation
of parentchild bonding is a consideration for all newborn infants.
3. What is a nursing goal for a 12-year-old child with Graves disease?
a. Relief of constipation
, b. Allowing the adolescent to make decisions about taking her medication
c. Verbal demonstration of an understanding about the medication
regimen d. Development of alternative educational goals
ANS: C
To adhere to the medication schedule, children need to understand that the medication must be
taken two or three times per day. The adolescent with Graves disease is not constipated.
Making decisions about her medication is not appropriate for a 12-year-old child. The
management of Graves disease does not interfere with school attendance and does not require
alternative educational plans.
1. A nurse is describing the endocrine system to a nursing student. Which statement best
describes the negative feedback system of the pituitary gland?
a. The pituitary gland produces five hormones that are interdependent.
b. Target organs stimulate the hypothalamus, which in turn produces hormones.
c. The anterior pituitary stimulates the production of posterior pituitary hormones.
d. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that stimulate target organs to produce
specific hormones. As hormonal secretions of the target organs increase, the
pituitary gland decreases the secretion of the stimulating hormone.
ANS: D
The pituitary stimulates target organs to produce specific hormones. When enough hormone is
produced, the target organ signals the pituitary to stop secretion of the stimulating hormone.
There are six hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary; they are not interdependent. The
anterior pituitary gland stimulates target organs to produce specific hormones and does not
control production of posterior pituitary hormones.
2. Which is the priority outcome of mandatory newborn screening for hypothyroidism?
a. Appropriate community referral for affected families
b. Parental education about raising a special needs
child c. Early identification of the disorder
d. Facilitation of parentchild bonding
ANS: C
Early identification of hypothyroidism is basic to the prevention of mental retardation in the
child. Community referral is appropriate after a diagnosis is made. With early identification
and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement, mental retardation is prevented. Facilitation
of parentchild bonding is a consideration for all newborn infants.
3. What is a nursing goal for a 12-year-old child with Graves disease?
a. Relief of constipation
, b. Allowing the adolescent to make decisions about taking her medication
c. Verbal demonstration of an understanding about the medication
regimen d. Development of alternative educational goals
ANS: C
To adhere to the medication schedule, children need to understand that the medication must be
taken two or three times per day. The adolescent with Graves disease is not constipated.
Making decisions about her medication is not appropriate for a 12-year-old child. The
management of Graves disease does not interfere with school attendance and does not require
alternative educational plans.
