,NURS 251 Pharmacology Module Exam 4 | Portage Learning /
1. Which endocrine gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it regulates the function of
many other endocrine glands?
A) Pineal gland
B) Pituitary gland
C) Thyroid gland
D) Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: Pituitary gland
Rationale: The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it produces hormones that
control the function of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. Its
anterior lobe secretes tropic hormones like TSH, ACTH, and LH, which stimulate target glands to release
their own hormones. The pineal, thyroid, and adrenal glands are important but are regulated by the
pituitary.
2. Which of the following is NOT a type of hormone released by the adrenal cortex?
A) Mineralocorticoids
B) Glucocorticoids
C) Sex hormones (androgens)
D) Catecholamines
Correct Answer: Catecholamines
Rationale: The adrenal cortex releases three main types of hormones: mineralocorticoids (e.g.,
aldosterone), glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), and sex hormones (androgens). Catecholamines
(epinephrine and norepinephrine) are released by the adrenal medulla, which is part of the sympathetic
nervous system, not the adrenal cortex.
3. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the patient to take
this medication at which time for optimal absorption?
,A) With a high-fat meal to enhance absorption
B) At bedtime with a glass of milk
C) On an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
D) With an antacid to prevent gastrointestinal upset
Correct Answer: On an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is optimized when taken on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes
before the first meal of the day. Food, calcium, iron supplements, and antacids can significantly interfere
with its absorption, reducing its effectiveness. Taking it at bedtime or with food or milk is not
recommended.
4. A patient with Graves' disease is prescribed an antithyroid medication. Which medication is
commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting thyroid peroxidase?
A) Levothyroxine
B) Methimazole
C) Liothyronine
D) Propylthiouracil
Correct Answer: Methimazole
Rationale: Methimazole is a first-line antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism (Graves'
disease). It works by inhibiting the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, thereby blocking the synthesis of thyroid
hormones. Levothyroxine and liothyronine are used for hypothyroidism, and propylthiouracil is an
alternative antithyroid drug used primarily in the first trimester of pregnancy.
5. A patient is receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Which assessment finding indicates that
the dose is too high?
A) Bradycardia and weight gain
B) Tachycardia, weight loss, and nervousness
C) Cold intolerance and fatigue
D) Constipation and dry skin
, Correct Answer: Tachycardia, weight loss, and nervousness
Rationale: Excessive thyroid hormone replacement leads to signs of hyperthyroidism, including
tachycardia, weight loss, nervousness, heat intolerance, and insomnia. Bradycardia, weight gain, cold
intolerance, fatigue, constipation, and dry skin are signs of hypothyroidism and indicate the dose is too
low.
6. A patient is prescribed an oral corticosteroid for a chronic inflammatory condition. Which instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching to minimize the risk of adrenal suppression?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach
B) Take the medication in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm
C) Stop the medication abruptly if side effects occur
D) Take the medication with a high-sodium diet
Correct Answer: Take the medication in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm
Rationale: To minimize adrenal suppression, corticosteroids should be taken in the morning (e.g., 8 AM)
to mimic the body's natural peak of cortisol secretion. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause
adrenal crisis; it must be tapered off slowly. Taking it with food can reduce gastric upset.
7. A patient is prescribed a glucocorticoid for its anti-inflammatory effects. Which of the following is an
example of a glucocorticoid medication?
A) Fludrocortisone
B) Prednisone
C) Aldosterone
D) Epinephrine
Correct Answer: Prednisone
Rationale: Prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone are examples of glucocorticoid
medications used for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Fludrocortisone is
1. Which endocrine gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it regulates the function of
many other endocrine glands?
A) Pineal gland
B) Pituitary gland
C) Thyroid gland
D) Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: Pituitary gland
Rationale: The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it produces hormones that
control the function of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. Its
anterior lobe secretes tropic hormones like TSH, ACTH, and LH, which stimulate target glands to release
their own hormones. The pineal, thyroid, and adrenal glands are important but are regulated by the
pituitary.
2. Which of the following is NOT a type of hormone released by the adrenal cortex?
A) Mineralocorticoids
B) Glucocorticoids
C) Sex hormones (androgens)
D) Catecholamines
Correct Answer: Catecholamines
Rationale: The adrenal cortex releases three main types of hormones: mineralocorticoids (e.g.,
aldosterone), glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), and sex hormones (androgens). Catecholamines
(epinephrine and norepinephrine) are released by the adrenal medulla, which is part of the sympathetic
nervous system, not the adrenal cortex.
3. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the patient to take
this medication at which time for optimal absorption?
,A) With a high-fat meal to enhance absorption
B) At bedtime with a glass of milk
C) On an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
D) With an antacid to prevent gastrointestinal upset
Correct Answer: On an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast
Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is optimized when taken on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes
before the first meal of the day. Food, calcium, iron supplements, and antacids can significantly interfere
with its absorption, reducing its effectiveness. Taking it at bedtime or with food or milk is not
recommended.
4. A patient with Graves' disease is prescribed an antithyroid medication. Which medication is
commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting thyroid peroxidase?
A) Levothyroxine
B) Methimazole
C) Liothyronine
D) Propylthiouracil
Correct Answer: Methimazole
Rationale: Methimazole is a first-line antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism (Graves'
disease). It works by inhibiting the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, thereby blocking the synthesis of thyroid
hormones. Levothyroxine and liothyronine are used for hypothyroidism, and propylthiouracil is an
alternative antithyroid drug used primarily in the first trimester of pregnancy.
5. A patient is receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Which assessment finding indicates that
the dose is too high?
A) Bradycardia and weight gain
B) Tachycardia, weight loss, and nervousness
C) Cold intolerance and fatigue
D) Constipation and dry skin
, Correct Answer: Tachycardia, weight loss, and nervousness
Rationale: Excessive thyroid hormone replacement leads to signs of hyperthyroidism, including
tachycardia, weight loss, nervousness, heat intolerance, and insomnia. Bradycardia, weight gain, cold
intolerance, fatigue, constipation, and dry skin are signs of hypothyroidism and indicate the dose is too
low.
6. A patient is prescribed an oral corticosteroid for a chronic inflammatory condition. Which instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching to minimize the risk of adrenal suppression?
A) Take the medication on an empty stomach
B) Take the medication in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm
C) Stop the medication abruptly if side effects occur
D) Take the medication with a high-sodium diet
Correct Answer: Take the medication in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm
Rationale: To minimize adrenal suppression, corticosteroids should be taken in the morning (e.g., 8 AM)
to mimic the body's natural peak of cortisol secretion. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause
adrenal crisis; it must be tapered off slowly. Taking it with food can reduce gastric upset.
7. A patient is prescribed a glucocorticoid for its anti-inflammatory effects. Which of the following is an
example of a glucocorticoid medication?
A) Fludrocortisone
B) Prednisone
C) Aldosterone
D) Epinephrine
Correct Answer: Prednisone
Rationale: Prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone are examples of glucocorticoid
medications used for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Fludrocortisone is
