Endocrine System and Disorders Test
Questions and All Correct Answers
2026-2027 Updated.
The nurse is caring for a group of older patients in a long-term care setting. Which physical
changes in the patients should the nurse investigate as signs of possible endocrine dysfunction?
A. Absent reflexes, diarrhea, and hearing loss
B. Hypoglycemia, delirium, and incontinence
C. Fatigue, constipation, and mental impairment
D. Hypotension, heat intolerance, and bradycardia - Answer C.
Changes of aging often mimic clinical manifestations of endocrine disorders. Clinical
manifestations of endocrine dysfunction such as fatigue, constipation, or mental impairment in
the older adult are often missed because they are attributed solely to aging.
The nurse interviews a 50-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic
bronchitis, and osteoarthritis who has a fasting blood glucose of 154 mg/dL. Which medications,
if taken by the patient, may raise blood glucose levels?
A. Glargine (Lantus)
B. Prednisone (Deltasone)
C. Metformin (Glucophage)
D. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Answer B.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may cause glucose intolerance in susceptible patients by
increasing gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance. Insulin (e.g., glargine) and metformin (an oral
hypoglycemic agent) decrease blood glucose levels. Acetaminophen has a glucose-lowering
effect.
The nurse is caring for a 36-year-old woman with possible hypoparathyroidism after a
thyroidectomy. It is most appropriate for the nurse to assess for which clinical manifestations?
A. Polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias and hypertension
C. Muscle spasms and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D. Hyperpigmentation, skin ulcers, and peripheral edema - Answer C.
Common assessment abnormalities associated with hypoparathyroidism include tetany (muscle
spasms) and increased deep tendon reflexes. Hyperpigmentation is associated with Addison's
disease. Skin ulcers occur in patient with diabetes. Edema is associated with hypothyroidism.
Polyuria and polydipsia occur in patients with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. Weight
loss occurs in hyperthyroidism or diabetic ketoacidosis. Hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias
may be caused by hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or pheochromocytoma.
,An 18-year-old male patient is undergoing a growth hormone stimulation test. The nurse should
monitor the patient for
A. hypothermia.
B. hypertension.
C. hyperreflexia.
D. hypoglycemia. - Answer D.
Insulin or arginine (agent that stimulates insulin secretion) is administered for a growth
hormone stimulation test. The nurse should monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia.
Hypothermia and hypertension are not expected in response to insulin or arginine.
Hyperreflexia is an autonomic complication of spinal cord injury.
A female adult client with a history of chronic hyperparathyroidism admits to being
noncompliant. Based on initial assessment findings, the nurse formulates the nursing diagnosis
of Risk for injury. To complete the nursing diagnosis statement for this client, which "related-to"
phrase should the nurse add?
A. Related to bone demineralization resulting in pathologic fractures
B. Related to exhaustion secondary to an accelerated metabolic rate
C. Related to edema and dry skin secondary to fluid infiltration into the interstitial spaces
D. Related to tetany secondary to a decreased serum calcium level - Answer A.
Poorly controlled hyperparathyroidism may cause an elevated serum calcium level. This, in turn,
may diminish calcium stores in the bone, causing bone demineralization and setting the stage
for pathologic fractures and a risk for injury. Hyperparathyroidism doesn't accelerate the
metabolic rate. A decreased thyroid hormone level, not an increased parathyroid hormone
level, may cause edema and dry skin secondary to fluid infiltration into the interstitial spaces.
Hyperparathyroidism causes hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia; therefore, it isn't associated
with tetany.
Nurse Oliver should expect a client with hypothyroidism to report which health concerns?
A. Increased appetite and weight loss
B. Puffiness of the face and hands
C. Nervousness and tremors
D. Thyroid gland swelling - Answer B.
Hypothyroidism (myxedema) causes facial puffiness, extremity edema, and weight gain. Signs
and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) include an increased appetite, weight loss,
nervousness, tremors, and thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).
A female client with hypothyroidism (myxedema) is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid), 25 mcg
P.O. daily. Which finding should nurse Hans recognize as an adverse drug effect?
A. Dysuria
B. Leg cramps
,C. Tachycardia
D. Blurred vision - Answer C.
Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is given to a client with hypothyroidism to simulate
the effects of thyroxine. Adverse effects of this agent include tachycardia. The other options
aren't associated with levothyroxine.
A 67-year-old male client has been complaining of sleeping more, increased urination, anorexia,
weakness, irritability, depression, and bone pain that interferes with her going outdoors. Based
on these assessment findings, nurse Richard would suspect which of the following disorders?
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Diabetes insipidus
C. Hypoparathyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism - Answer D.
Hyperparathyroidism is most common in older women and is characterized by bone pain and
weakness from excess parathyroid hormone (PTH). Clients also exhibit hypercaliuria-causing
polyuria. While clients with diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus also have polyuria, they
don't have bone pain and increased sleeping. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by urinary
frequency rather than polyuria.
When caring for a male client with diabetes insipidus, nurse Juliet expects to administer:
A. vasopressin (Pitressin Synthetic).
B. furosemide (Lasix).
C. regular insulin.
D. 10% dextrose. - Answer A.
Because diabetes insipidus results from decreased antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)
production, the nurse should expect to administer synthetic vasopressin for hormone
replacement therapy. Furosemide, a diuretic, is contraindicated because a client with diabetes
insipidus experiences polyuria. Insulin and dextrose are used to treat diabetes mellitus and its
complications, not diabetes insipidus.
The nurse is aware that the following is the most common cause of hyperaldosteronism?
A. Excessive sodium intake
B. A pituitary adenoma
C. Deficient potassium intake
D. An adrenal adenoma - Answer D.
An autonomous aldosterone-producing adenoma is the most common cause of
hyperaldosteronism. Hyperplasia is the second most frequent cause. Aldosterone secretion is
independent of sodium and potassium intake as well as of pituitary stimulation.
, Following a unilateral adrenalectomy, nurse Betty would assess for hyperkalemia shown by
which of the following?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Tremors
C. Diaphoresis
D. Constipation - Answer A.
Muscle weakness, bradycardia, nausea, diarrhea, and paresthesia of the hands, feet, tongue,
and face are findings associated with hyperkalemia, which is transient and occurs from transient
hypoaldosteronism when the adenoma is removed. Tremors, diaphoresis, and constipation
aren't seen in hyperkalemia.
Nurse Louie is developing a teaching plan for a male client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus.
The nurse should include information about which hormone lacking in clients with diabetes
insipidus?
A. antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
B. thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
C. follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
D. luteinizing hormone (LH). - Answer A.
ADH is the hormone clients with diabetes insipidus lack. The client's TSH, FSH, and LH levels
won't be affected.
Early this morning, a female client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, nurse
Tina assesses the client, who now has nausea, a temperature of 105° F (40.5° C), tachycardia,
and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?
A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. Thyroid crisis
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tetany - Answer B.
Thyroid crisis usually occurs in the first 12 hours after thyroidectomy and causes exaggerated
signs of hyperthyroidism, such as high fever, tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. Diabetic
ketoacidosis is more likely to produce polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia; hypoglycemia, to
produce weakness, tremors, profuse perspiration, and hunger. Tetany typically causes
uncontrollable muscle spasms, stridor, cyanosis, and possibly asphyxia.
When assessing a male client with pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla that
secretes excessive catecholamine, nurse April is most likely to detect:
A. a blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg.
B. a blood glucose level of 130 mg/dl.
C. bradycardia.
Questions and All Correct Answers
2026-2027 Updated.
The nurse is caring for a group of older patients in a long-term care setting. Which physical
changes in the patients should the nurse investigate as signs of possible endocrine dysfunction?
A. Absent reflexes, diarrhea, and hearing loss
B. Hypoglycemia, delirium, and incontinence
C. Fatigue, constipation, and mental impairment
D. Hypotension, heat intolerance, and bradycardia - Answer C.
Changes of aging often mimic clinical manifestations of endocrine disorders. Clinical
manifestations of endocrine dysfunction such as fatigue, constipation, or mental impairment in
the older adult are often missed because they are attributed solely to aging.
The nurse interviews a 50-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic
bronchitis, and osteoarthritis who has a fasting blood glucose of 154 mg/dL. Which medications,
if taken by the patient, may raise blood glucose levels?
A. Glargine (Lantus)
B. Prednisone (Deltasone)
C. Metformin (Glucophage)
D. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Answer B.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may cause glucose intolerance in susceptible patients by
increasing gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance. Insulin (e.g., glargine) and metformin (an oral
hypoglycemic agent) decrease blood glucose levels. Acetaminophen has a glucose-lowering
effect.
The nurse is caring for a 36-year-old woman with possible hypoparathyroidism after a
thyroidectomy. It is most appropriate for the nurse to assess for which clinical manifestations?
A. Polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias and hypertension
C. Muscle spasms and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D. Hyperpigmentation, skin ulcers, and peripheral edema - Answer C.
Common assessment abnormalities associated with hypoparathyroidism include tetany (muscle
spasms) and increased deep tendon reflexes. Hyperpigmentation is associated with Addison's
disease. Skin ulcers occur in patient with diabetes. Edema is associated with hypothyroidism.
Polyuria and polydipsia occur in patients with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. Weight
loss occurs in hyperthyroidism or diabetic ketoacidosis. Hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias
may be caused by hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or pheochromocytoma.
,An 18-year-old male patient is undergoing a growth hormone stimulation test. The nurse should
monitor the patient for
A. hypothermia.
B. hypertension.
C. hyperreflexia.
D. hypoglycemia. - Answer D.
Insulin or arginine (agent that stimulates insulin secretion) is administered for a growth
hormone stimulation test. The nurse should monitor the patient closely for hypoglycemia.
Hypothermia and hypertension are not expected in response to insulin or arginine.
Hyperreflexia is an autonomic complication of spinal cord injury.
A female adult client with a history of chronic hyperparathyroidism admits to being
noncompliant. Based on initial assessment findings, the nurse formulates the nursing diagnosis
of Risk for injury. To complete the nursing diagnosis statement for this client, which "related-to"
phrase should the nurse add?
A. Related to bone demineralization resulting in pathologic fractures
B. Related to exhaustion secondary to an accelerated metabolic rate
C. Related to edema and dry skin secondary to fluid infiltration into the interstitial spaces
D. Related to tetany secondary to a decreased serum calcium level - Answer A.
Poorly controlled hyperparathyroidism may cause an elevated serum calcium level. This, in turn,
may diminish calcium stores in the bone, causing bone demineralization and setting the stage
for pathologic fractures and a risk for injury. Hyperparathyroidism doesn't accelerate the
metabolic rate. A decreased thyroid hormone level, not an increased parathyroid hormone
level, may cause edema and dry skin secondary to fluid infiltration into the interstitial spaces.
Hyperparathyroidism causes hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia; therefore, it isn't associated
with tetany.
Nurse Oliver should expect a client with hypothyroidism to report which health concerns?
A. Increased appetite and weight loss
B. Puffiness of the face and hands
C. Nervousness and tremors
D. Thyroid gland swelling - Answer B.
Hypothyroidism (myxedema) causes facial puffiness, extremity edema, and weight gain. Signs
and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease) include an increased appetite, weight loss,
nervousness, tremors, and thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).
A female client with hypothyroidism (myxedema) is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid), 25 mcg
P.O. daily. Which finding should nurse Hans recognize as an adverse drug effect?
A. Dysuria
B. Leg cramps
,C. Tachycardia
D. Blurred vision - Answer C.
Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, is given to a client with hypothyroidism to simulate
the effects of thyroxine. Adverse effects of this agent include tachycardia. The other options
aren't associated with levothyroxine.
A 67-year-old male client has been complaining of sleeping more, increased urination, anorexia,
weakness, irritability, depression, and bone pain that interferes with her going outdoors. Based
on these assessment findings, nurse Richard would suspect which of the following disorders?
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Diabetes insipidus
C. Hypoparathyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism - Answer D.
Hyperparathyroidism is most common in older women and is characterized by bone pain and
weakness from excess parathyroid hormone (PTH). Clients also exhibit hypercaliuria-causing
polyuria. While clients with diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus also have polyuria, they
don't have bone pain and increased sleeping. Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by urinary
frequency rather than polyuria.
When caring for a male client with diabetes insipidus, nurse Juliet expects to administer:
A. vasopressin (Pitressin Synthetic).
B. furosemide (Lasix).
C. regular insulin.
D. 10% dextrose. - Answer A.
Because diabetes insipidus results from decreased antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)
production, the nurse should expect to administer synthetic vasopressin for hormone
replacement therapy. Furosemide, a diuretic, is contraindicated because a client with diabetes
insipidus experiences polyuria. Insulin and dextrose are used to treat diabetes mellitus and its
complications, not diabetes insipidus.
The nurse is aware that the following is the most common cause of hyperaldosteronism?
A. Excessive sodium intake
B. A pituitary adenoma
C. Deficient potassium intake
D. An adrenal adenoma - Answer D.
An autonomous aldosterone-producing adenoma is the most common cause of
hyperaldosteronism. Hyperplasia is the second most frequent cause. Aldosterone secretion is
independent of sodium and potassium intake as well as of pituitary stimulation.
, Following a unilateral adrenalectomy, nurse Betty would assess for hyperkalemia shown by
which of the following?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Tremors
C. Diaphoresis
D. Constipation - Answer A.
Muscle weakness, bradycardia, nausea, diarrhea, and paresthesia of the hands, feet, tongue,
and face are findings associated with hyperkalemia, which is transient and occurs from transient
hypoaldosteronism when the adenoma is removed. Tremors, diaphoresis, and constipation
aren't seen in hyperkalemia.
Nurse Louie is developing a teaching plan for a male client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus.
The nurse should include information about which hormone lacking in clients with diabetes
insipidus?
A. antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
B. thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
C. follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
D. luteinizing hormone (LH). - Answer A.
ADH is the hormone clients with diabetes insipidus lack. The client's TSH, FSH, and LH levels
won't be affected.
Early this morning, a female client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, nurse
Tina assesses the client, who now has nausea, a temperature of 105° F (40.5° C), tachycardia,
and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?
A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. Thyroid crisis
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Tetany - Answer B.
Thyroid crisis usually occurs in the first 12 hours after thyroidectomy and causes exaggerated
signs of hyperthyroidism, such as high fever, tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. Diabetic
ketoacidosis is more likely to produce polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia; hypoglycemia, to
produce weakness, tremors, profuse perspiration, and hunger. Tetany typically causes
uncontrollable muscle spasms, stridor, cyanosis, and possibly asphyxia.
When assessing a male client with pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla that
secretes excessive catecholamine, nurse April is most likely to detect:
A. a blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg.
B. a blood glucose level of 130 mg/dl.
C. bradycardia.
