Pain from cholecystitis typically occurs in this quadrant and may radiate where?
right upper quadrant radiating to the right shoulder
In a patient with Addison’s disease, low levels of this hormone cause sodium loss and potassium retention leading to hypotension.
aldosterone
A patient admitted for Addisonian crisis shows severe hypotension and vomiting after abruptly stopping corticosteroids. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse expect?
hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
The nurse knows metformin must be held before and 48 hours after this diagnostic procedure to prevent lactic acidosis.
What is an iodinated contrast CT scan?
A patient taking metformin reports muscle pain and shortness of breath. The nurse recognizes this could indicate which life-threatening complication?
lactic acidosis
This sign, positive when pain occurs during deep inspiration while palpating the RUQ, is classic for cholecystitis.
Murphy’s sign
During stress, the anterior pituitary releases ACTH to stimulate this gland, resulting in cortisol secretion.
adrenal cortex
Following thyroidectomy, a patient develops muscle twitching, facial spasms, and a positive Trousseau’s sign. What life-threatening complication is developing?
hypocalcemia from accidental parathyroid removal
The nurse monitors a patient on methimazole for this potentially fatal hematologic adverse effect signaled by sore throat and fever.
agranulocytosis
The nurse understands that ketoconazole may be used in Cushing’s syndrome for this reason.
inhibit cortisol synthesis
A patient recovering from laparoscopic cholecystectomy should avoid which type of food?
what are high-fat or fried foods?
Negative feedback suppression of TSH by elevated thyroid hormones occurs in this endocrine disorder.
hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease)
A client with Cushing’s syndrome exhibits hyperglycemia, thin skin, and poor wound healing. Which underlying hormonal excess causes these symptoms?
excess cortisol secretion
When tapering long-term corticosteroids, the nurse understands that abrupt withdrawal suppresses this axis, leading to adrenal crisis.
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
A patient treated with calcium gluconate for hypocalcemia should be placed on continuous cardiac monitoring because of this potential adverse effect.
bradycardia or cardiac arrhythmias
In biliary obstruction, stools become pale while urine becomes dark due to buildup of this substance.
bilirubin
A patient with SIADH has low serum osmolality and high urine osmolality because of the continuous release of this posterior pituitary hormone.
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
The nurse suspects myxedema coma when assessing a patient with this triad of findings
What are hypothermia, bradycardia, and severe hypotension?
The nurse evaluates desmopressin therapy in diabetes insipidus as effective when which lab value returns to normal range?
serum sodium (135–145 mEq/L)
Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis. What key lab value should be monitored to detect a severe drug-induced adverse effect
white blood cell count (for agranulocytosis)
Untreated cholecystitis can progress to this serious complication involving gallbladder necrosis or rupture.
gangrenous cholecystitis or bile peritonitis
Chronic overstimulation of the adrenal cortex by ACTH from a pituitary tumor leads to this secondary endocrine disorder characterized by cortisol excess.
Cushing’s disease (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism)
In a patient with pheochromocytoma, stimulation of the tumor during surgery may cause a sudden surge of these two catecholamines leading to hypertensive crisis.
epinephrine and norepinephrine
Following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy for acromegaly, which post-operative finding demands immediate provider notification
clear nasal drainage indicating a CSF leak
A nurse teaching a patient about radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) for hyperthyroidism should include this critical safety instruction to protect others at home
avoid close contact, share no utensils, and use separate bathrooms for several days (radiation precautions)