Endocrine Alterations – High-Yield Exam (GI Bleeds,
Thyroid Disorders, Addison’s Disease & Adrenal Crisis)|
Verified Questions Provided with A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
The nurse is caring for a client with a small gastrointestinal (GI) bleed from a peptic ulcer. The
nurse should anticipate which stool characteristic?
Melena
A client with hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy is seen in the emergency department after
stopping levothyroxine therapy last year. Which assessment finding could the nurse anticipate?
Decreased level of consciousness progressing to coma.
A nurse is admitting a client with a history of Addison's disease who is to undergo a total hip
arthroplasty. Which action is most likely to prevent acute adrenal insufficiency?
Administer a supplemental dose of intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone before surgery.
A client is seen in the emergency department with bright red, profuse hematemesis. Which
action is the nurse's initial priority?
Perform a focused nursing assessment of the client's status.
After initial treatment of the client with profuse bright-red hematemesis, which laboratory
finding indicates that management has been effective?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased from 40 to 25 mg/dL
Match each disease process to the appropriate treatment.
Esophageal varices - Balloon tamponade is used to place direct pressure on the site of bleeding.
Gastric ulcer - Pantoprazole is used to reduce acid secretions in the prevention of this stress-
related complication.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome - Surgical intervention is required to repair this arterial tear.
The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the intensive care unit in Addisonian crisis. Which
laboratory assessment findings are anticipated? Select all that apply.
, Potassium 6.1 mEq/L
Sodium 130 mEq/L
Glucose 50 mg/dL
Tachycardia
pH 7.28
Bicarbonate (HCO3-) 18 mEq/L
A nurse is caring for a client who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent a
thyroidectomy 12 hours ago. Which findings are indicative of acute thyrotoxicosis? Select all
that apply.
Hyperthermia
Mental confusion
Dyspnea
Linda Shapiro (pronouns: they/them/theirs), a 32-year-old client, was recently diagnosed with
Addison's disease after seeking care for increasing weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.
Which assessment findings are consistent with the client's diagnosis? Select all that apply.
Hyponatremia
Tachycardia
Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Hypoglycemia
Today, the nurse attempted to reach Linda for a follow-up call regarding their recent diagnosis.
The nurse was informed that Linda was in the emergency department after a syncopal episode
this morning. The nurse recognizes which is the greatest threat to the client with adrenal
insufficiency?
Blood pressure 72/50
Linda's vital signs are BP 98/60 (lying), BP 80/58 (standing), P 115, T 99 °F (37.2 °C), RR 26. Distal
pulses are +1 bilaterally and the extremities are cool. The client reports extreme dizziness when
standing, excessive thirst, and fatigue. The diagnosis is acute adrenal insufficiency. Which is the
priority concern for this client?
Hypovolemic shock and decreased cardiac output.
After assessment, the nurse begins to plan care for the client. Which prescriptions are
anticipated in the initial management of an adrenal crisis? Select all that apply.