NDEE Exam 6 | Complete Questions with
Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales
- Latest Update 2026
Question 1
What is the primary function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in
endocrine regulation?
A) Regulating blood calcium levels
B) Controlling metabolic rate
C) Managing stress response and cortisol secretion
D) Stimulating thyroid hormone production
Correct ,,,answer,,,: C
Rationale: The HPA axis plays a central role in the body's response to stress by
regulating cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex, thus managing stress
response and metabolic functions.
Question 2
,Which statement best differentiates endocrine from exocrine glands?
A) Endocrine glands have ducts; exocrine glands are ductless
B) Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream; exocrine glands
secrete substances through ducts onto surfaces
C) Endocrine glands produce enzymes; exocrine glands produce hormones
D) Endocrine glands are localized; exocrine glands are systemic
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream for
systemic effects, whereas exocrine glands secrete substances via ducts to specific
surfaces or body cavities.
Question 3
During a physical exam, which finding is most indicative of hypothyroidism?
A) Warm, moist skin
B) Bradycardia and dry skin
C) Restlessness and tachycardia
D) Weight loss and increased energy
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Hypothyroidism commonly presents with dry skin, bradycardia, and
overall slowed metabolic processes, whereas hyperthyroidism presents with warm
skin, tachycardia, and weight loss.
Question 4
,Which diagnostic test is most useful for assessing thyroid hormone production?
A) Serum calcium levels
B) Serum TSH and free T4 levels
C) Serum amylase and lipase
D) Fecal fat analysis
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Serum TSH and free T4 levels are primary tests for evaluating thyroid
function, indicating hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Question 5
A patient with suspected acromegaly is scheduled for imaging. Which imaging
modality is most appropriate?
A) Ultrasound of the thyroid
B) Brain MRI focusing on the pituitary gland
C) Abdominal CT scan
D) Chest X-ray
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: MRI of the pituitary gland is the preferred imaging method for detecting
pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly.
Question 6
Post-transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, what is a critical nursing intervention?
, A) Monitor for CSF leak with clear nasal drainage
B) Administer high-dose steroids immediately
C) Keep the patient NPO for 7 days
D) Encourage vigorous coughing to clear nasal passages
Correct ,,,answer,,,: A
Rationale: After transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, monitoring for cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) leak is critical, as clear nasal drainage may indicate a CSF leak requiring
immediate intervention.
Question 7
A patient with Addison's disease is experiencing an Addisonian crisis. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A) Administer oral glucocorticoids
B) Administer IV hydrocortisone and fluid replacement
C) Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
D) Administer IV insulin
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: An Addisonian crisis requires prompt IV hydrocortisone and fluid
replacement to manage adrenal insufficiency and prevent cardiovascular collapse.
Question 8
What is the normal serum sodium range?
Correct Answers and Detailed Rationales
- Latest Update 2026
Question 1
What is the primary function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in
endocrine regulation?
A) Regulating blood calcium levels
B) Controlling metabolic rate
C) Managing stress response and cortisol secretion
D) Stimulating thyroid hormone production
Correct ,,,answer,,,: C
Rationale: The HPA axis plays a central role in the body's response to stress by
regulating cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex, thus managing stress
response and metabolic functions.
Question 2
,Which statement best differentiates endocrine from exocrine glands?
A) Endocrine glands have ducts; exocrine glands are ductless
B) Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream; exocrine glands
secrete substances through ducts onto surfaces
C) Endocrine glands produce enzymes; exocrine glands produce hormones
D) Endocrine glands are localized; exocrine glands are systemic
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream for
systemic effects, whereas exocrine glands secrete substances via ducts to specific
surfaces or body cavities.
Question 3
During a physical exam, which finding is most indicative of hypothyroidism?
A) Warm, moist skin
B) Bradycardia and dry skin
C) Restlessness and tachycardia
D) Weight loss and increased energy
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Hypothyroidism commonly presents with dry skin, bradycardia, and
overall slowed metabolic processes, whereas hyperthyroidism presents with warm
skin, tachycardia, and weight loss.
Question 4
,Which diagnostic test is most useful for assessing thyroid hormone production?
A) Serum calcium levels
B) Serum TSH and free T4 levels
C) Serum amylase and lipase
D) Fecal fat analysis
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: Serum TSH and free T4 levels are primary tests for evaluating thyroid
function, indicating hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Question 5
A patient with suspected acromegaly is scheduled for imaging. Which imaging
modality is most appropriate?
A) Ultrasound of the thyroid
B) Brain MRI focusing on the pituitary gland
C) Abdominal CT scan
D) Chest X-ray
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: MRI of the pituitary gland is the preferred imaging method for detecting
pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly.
Question 6
Post-transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, what is a critical nursing intervention?
, A) Monitor for CSF leak with clear nasal drainage
B) Administer high-dose steroids immediately
C) Keep the patient NPO for 7 days
D) Encourage vigorous coughing to clear nasal passages
Correct ,,,answer,,,: A
Rationale: After transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, monitoring for cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) leak is critical, as clear nasal drainage may indicate a CSF leak requiring
immediate intervention.
Question 7
A patient with Addison's disease is experiencing an Addisonian crisis. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A) Administer oral glucocorticoids
B) Administer IV hydrocortisone and fluid replacement
C) Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
D) Administer IV insulin
Correct ,,,answer,,,: B
Rationale: An Addisonian crisis requires prompt IV hydrocortisone and fluid
replacement to manage adrenal insufficiency and prevent cardiovascular collapse.
Question 8
What is the normal serum sodium range?
