Adrenal Gland Disorders Flashcards
Adrenal Gland Disorders - Burke Textbook Chapter 35
A client is admitted with Cushing’s syndrome. Which of the following laboratory tests results should the nurse expect to find?
A. Elevated serum potassium
B. Decreased serum sodium level.
C. Decreased growth hormone level.
D. Elevated serum glucose level.
D. Elevated serum glucose level.
Rationale:
Excess cortisol in Cushing’s syndrome causes increased glucose levels. Serum sodium levels are increased, not decreased. Serum potassium levels are unaffected. Growth hormone levels are increased in acromegaly.
Adrenal Gland Disorders - Burke Textbook Chapter 35
For a client diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, which of these nursing diagnoses should be addressed on the care plan?
A. Deficient Fluid Volume
B. Activity Intolerance
C. Body Image, Disturbed
D. Constipation, Acute
C. Body Image, Disturbed
Rationale:
Increased cortisol production by the adrenal cortex causes numerous physical and psychologic changes. The buffalo hump, moon face, edema, and purple striae on the abdomen add to the depression that is typically seen in clients with Cushing’s syndrome. These clients have FVE, not deficiency. Although they are at risk for falls, they do not experience activity intolerance. Also, they do not develop constipation.
Adrenal Gland Disorders - Burke Textbook Chapter 35
What clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to observe in a client with Addison’s disease?
A. multiple bruises
B. postural hypotension
C. peripheral edema
D. SOB
B. postural hypotension
Rationale:
With a lack of the mineralcorticorticoid aldosterone, blood volume and blood pressure are lower, which causes postural hypotension. Multiple bruises are noted with Cushing’s syndrome. Peripheral edema and SOB are found in many disorders, but not Addison’s diease.
Adrenal Gland Disorders - Burke Workbook Chapter 35
A client with a blood pressure of 210/160, severe headaches, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and flushed skin is most likely suffering from:
A. thyroid crisis.
B. pheochromocytoma.
C. goiter.
D. Cushing’s syndrome
B. pheochromocytoma.
Adrenal Disorders - Saunders NCLEX-PN Review Chapter 44
- A nurse is reviewing discharge teaching with a client who has Cushing’s syndrome. Which statement by the client indicates that the instructions related to dietary management where understood?
A. “I can eat foods that contain potassium.”
B. “I will need to limit the amount of protein in my diet.”
C. “I am fortunate that I can eat all the salty foods I enjoy.”
D. “I am fortunate that I do not need to follow any special diet.”
A. “I can eat foods that contain potassium.”
Test-Taking Strategy:
NOte the strategic words “instructions related to dietary management were understood.” Eliminate option D, because it indicates that no dietary change is necessary. Eliminate option B next, because protein is usually only eliminated with renal disorders. Excess sodium is not healthy in general, so eliminate option C.
Adrenal Disorders - Saunders NCLEX-PN Review Chapter 44
- Which nursing action would be appropriate to implement when a client has a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma?
A. Weigh the client.
B. Test the client’s urine for glucose.
C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure.
D. Palpate the client’s skin to determine warmth.
C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure.
Test-Taking Strategy:
Use the ABCs—airway, breathing, and circulation. A method of assessing circulation is to take the blood pressure.
Adrenal Disorders - Saunders NCLEX-PN Review Chapter 44
- A nurse is caring for a client with pheochromocytoma. The client is scheduled for an adrenalectomy. During the preoperative period, the priority nursing action would be to monitor:
A. The vital signs.
B. The I&O.
C. The blood urea nitrogen level.
D. The urine for glucose and acetone
A. The vital signs.
Test-taking Strategy:
Note the strategic words “priority nursing action.” Monitoring vital signs is the nursing action that would assess the ABCs—airway, breathing, and circulation. In addition, note that options B, C, and D all refer to the assessment of the renal system.
Adrenal Disorders - Saunders NCLEX-PN Review Chapter 44
- A nurse is caring for a client with pheochromocytoma. The client asks for a snack and something warm to drink. The appropriate choice for this client to meet nutritional needs would be which of the following?
A. Crackers with cheese and tea.
B. Graham crackers and warm milk.
C. Toast with peanut butter and cocoa
D. Vanilla wafers and coffee with cream and sugar.
B. Graham crackers and warm milk.
Test-Taking Strategy:
Use the process of elimination. Eliminate options A, C, and D, because they are comparable or alike and include food items that contain caffeine.
Adrenal Disorders - Saunders NCLEX-PN Review Chapter 44
- A nurse is caring for a client with pheochromocytoma. Which data would indicate a potential complication associated with this disorder?
A. A urinary output of 50 mL/hour.
B. A coagulation time of 5 minutes.
C. Congestion heard on auscultation of the lungs.
D. A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL
C. Congestion heard on auscultation of the lungs.
Rationale:
All other values are WNL.
Adrenal Disorders - Saunders NCLEX-PN Review Chapter 44
- Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to note when assessing a client with Addison’s disease?
A. Edema
B. Obesity
C. Hirsutism
D. Hypotension
D. Hypotension
