Chapter 49, Introduction to the Endocrine System

1.Which action would be most appropriate when evaluating a client's neck for thyroid enlargement? A) Inspect changes in pigmentation in the neck. B) Perform repeated palpation of the thyroid gland. C) Palpate the thyroid gland gently. D) Examine the skin of the neck for excessive oiliness. Ans: C Feedback: The nurse should inspect the neck for thyroid enlargement and gently palpate the thyroid gland. Repeated palpation of the thyroid in case of thyroid hyperactivity can result in a sudden release of a large amount of thyroid hormones, which may have serious implications. Pigment changes in the neck and excessive oiliness of the skin are not related to assessment for thyroid enlargement. 2.The nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client with a disorder of the thyroid gland. Which diagnostic test would the nurse expect the physician to order to evaluate thyroid hormones? A) Magnetic resonance imaging B) Radioimmunoassay C) Computed tomography (CT) D) Cortisol level determination Ans: B Feedback: A radioimmunoassay determines the concentration of a substance in plasma. A T3 determination by radioimmunoassay evaluates thyroid hormone function. A CT or magnetic resonance imaging scan is done to detect a suspected tumor and to determine organ size and placement. Cortisol levels determine adrenal hyperfunction. 3.During physical examination of a client with a suspected endocrine disorder, the nurse assesses the body structures. The nurse gathers this data based on the understanding that it is an important aid in which of the following? A) Detecting evidence of hormone hypersecretion B) Detecting information about possible tumor growth C) Determining the presence or absence of testosterone levels D) Determining the size of the organs and location Ans: A Feedback: The evaluation of body structures helps the nurse detect evidence of hypersecretion or hyposecretio