PIT-falls
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a patient with acromegaly?
A. Encouraging high‑impact exercise to improve bone density
B. Monitoring for signs of heart failure and hypertension
C. Restricting all fluid intake to prevent edema
D. Avoiding all carbohydrate intake to reduce insulin levels
B. Monitoring for signs of heart failure and hypertension
Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of hypothyroidism?
A. Heat intolerance
B. Unintentional weight loss
C. Fatigue and cold intolerance
D. Rapid heartbeat
Correct answer: C. Fatigue and cold intolerance
Which nursing action is a priority for a patient with hypoparathyroidism?
A. Encouraging weight‑bearing exercise to improve bone density
B. Monitoring for muscle spasms and tingling around the mouth
C. Restricting dietary calcium to prevent kidney stones
D. Increasing fluid intake to reduce dehydration risk
Correct answer: B. Monitoring for muscle spasms and tingling around the mouth
Which hormone is released by the adrenal medulla during the fight‑or‑flight response?
A. Cortisol
B. Aldosterone
C. Epinephrine
D. Calcitonin
C. Epinephrine
Which nursing action is most important after administering glucagon to a patient with severe hypoglycemia?
A. Encouraging the patient to drink water immediately
B. Positioning the patient flat to prevent aspiration
C. Monitoring for return of consciousness and providing a carbohydrate source once the patient can swallow safely
D. Restricting food until blood glucose stabilizes
Correct answer: C. Monitoring for return of consciousness and providing a carbohydrate source once the patient can swallow safely
Which nursing action is most important in the immediate postoperative period following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy?
A. Encouraging the patient to blow their nose to clear secretions
B. Monitoring for clear nasal drainage and testing it for glucose
C. Placing the patient in a flat position to reduce discomfort
D. Providing frequent oral fluids to prevent dehydratio
B. Monitoring for clear/yellow nasal drainage and testing it for glucose
In primary hypothyroidism, which pattern of thyroid function tests is most typical?
A. Low TSH and low free T4, T3
B. High TSH and low free T4, T3
C. Low TSH and high free T4, T3
D. High TSH and high free T4, T3
Correct answer: B. High TSH and low free T4
Which bedside assessment best helps a nurse identify early hypocalcemia?
A. Checking for ankle edema
B. Assessing for a positive Chvostek sign
C. Measuring daily weight
D. Inspecting the sclera for jaundice
Correct answer: B. Assessing for a positive Chvostek sign
Which of the following is a common clinical feature of Addison’s disease?
A. High blood pressure
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
D. Excess cortisol production
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Which nursing assessment is the highest priority when caring for a patient with suspected HHS?
A. Monitoring for Kussmaul respirations
B. Assessing level of consciousness and signs of dehydration
C. Checking for fruity breath odor
D. Encouraging oral fluids to reduce serum glucose
Correct answer: B. Assessing level of consciousness and signs of dehydration
Which nursing intervention is most important when caring for a patient with SIADH?
A. Encouraging increased oral fluid intake to maintain hydration
B. Monitoring for confusion and changes in mental status
C. Administering high‑sodium meals to correct hyponatremia rapidly
D. Placing the patient in a warm environment to prevent shivering
Correct answer: B. Monitoring for confusion and changes in mental status
Which clinical finding is most characteristic of hyperthyroidism?
Correct answer: C. Heat intolerance and unintentional weight loss
Which nursing observation best reflects the body’s compensatory response when vitamin D levels are low?
Correct answer: B. Increasing PTH levels as the body attempts to raise serum calcium
Which situation is most likely to trigger an adrenal crisis in someone with adrenal insufficiency
A. Mild exercise
B. A routine meal
C. A severe infection
D. A short nap
C. A severe infection
A patient receives Aspart insulin at 8 AM before breakfast. During which time frame should the nurse be most alert for signs of hypoglycemia due to the medication’s peak effect?
A. 8:05–8:20 AM
B. 9:00–11:00 AM
C. 12:00–2:00 PM
D. 4:00–6:00 PM
Correct answer: B. 9:00–11:00 AM
Which nursing action is most important when caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus?
A. Restricting fluids to reduce urine output
B. Monitoring urine output and providing ordered fluid replacement
C. Encouraging high‑sodium foods to maintain electrolyte balance
D. Positioning the patient flat to reduce intracranial pressure
Correct answer: B. Monitoring urine output and providing ordered fluid replacement
Which clinical feature is most strongly associated with myxedema coma?
A. High fever
B. Severe bradycardia and hypothermia
C. Marked agitation
D. Rapid weight loss
Correct answer: B. Severe bradycardia and hypothermia
Which nursing assessment is most important for a patient with hyperparathyroidism?
A. Checking for muscle twitching and facial spasms
B. Monitoring for constipation, lethargy, and kidney stone symptoms
C. Encouraging a high‑calcium diet to support bone strength
D. Assessing for signs of fluid overload in the lungs
Correct answer: B. Monitoring for constipation, lethargy, and kidney stone symptoms
Which situation most increases the risk of adrenal crisis in a person taking long‑term glucocorticoids?
A. Gradually reducing the dose over several weeks
B. Switching from oral to inhaled steroids
C. Abruptly stopping the medication
D. Taking the dose with food
C. Abruptly stopping the medication
Which nursing action is the highest priority when caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis?
A. Encouraging oral fluids to correct dehydration
B. Monitoring for Kussmaul respirations and changes in mental status
C. Providing high‑calorie snacks to prevent further ketosis
D. Restricting activity to prevent hypoglycemia
Correct answer: B. Monitoring for Kussmaul respirations and changes in mental status
Which serum sodium pattern is most commonly associated with untreated diabetes insipidus?
A. Low sodium due to fluid retention
B. Normal sodium because urine loss is balanced
C. High sodium due to excessive free‑water loss
D. Rapidly falling sodium from dilutional effects
Correct answer: C. High sodium due to excessive free‑water loss
Which nursing action is a priority during thyroid storm?
A. Encouraging increased physical activity to reduce anxiety
B. Applying warming blankets to maintain body temperature
C. Reducing environmental stimulation and monitoring cardiac status
D. Providing high‑calorie meals to prevent weight loss
C. Reducing environmental stimulation and monitoring cardiac status
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority to include in the plan of care?
A. Encourage increased intake of calcium‑rich foods
B. Monitor for muscle weakness and assess for signs of bone pain
C. Restrict fluid intake to prevent dehydration
D. Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring for risk of bradycardia
B. Monitor for muscle weakness and assess for signs of bone pain
Which laboratory finding is most commonly associated with primary hyperaldosteronism?
A. High potassium levels
B. Low sodium levels
C. Low potassium levels
D. Elevated cortisol levels
Correct answer: C. Low potassium levels
Which observation best shows that insulin is the dominant hormone at the moment?
A. The patient’s blood glucose is rising and they feel very thirsty
B. The patient’s blood glucose is decreasing after a meal
C. The patient is producing ketones during fasting
D. The patient reports shakiness after skipping breakfast
Correct answer: B. The patient’s blood glucose is decreasing after a meal