Insulin Instincts
This hormone lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
What is Insulin?
This hormone is commonly elevated in hypothyroidism.
What is TSH?
This body system releases catecholamines in response to stress.
What is the Sympathetic Nervous System?
This is considered the "master gland" of the endocrine system.
What is the Pituitary Gland?
Patients with hyperthyroidism should avoid this dietary stimulant.
What are products that contain Caffeine?
The nurse explains that insulin is considered an endocrine hormone because it
What is secreted into the bloodstream and affects distant tissues?
A priority nursing action after thyroidectomy is monitoring for this airway complication.
What is airway obstruction or laryngeal edema?
Excess cortisol production causes this syndrome.
What is Cushing's Syndrome?
A patient excreting large amounts of diluted urine and is considered extremely dehydrated would have this complication occurring in their body? What is the disease process?
What is a lack of Antidiuretic hormone?
What is Diabetes Insipidus?
This hormone is responsible for assisting the kidneys in retaining water.
What is ADH?
A nurse reviews a patient’s lab results and notes a blood glucose level of 48 mg/dL. Which pancreatic hormone is primarily responsible for increasing blood glucose levels?
What is Glucagon?
This medication class inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
What is antithyroid medication (e.g., methimazole or Propylthiouracil)
A life-threatening complication of adrenal insufficiency requiring steroids and fluids.
What is Addisonian Crisis?
Water retention and hyponatremia are seen in this syndrome.
What is SIADH?
The nurse provides teaching to a patient prescribed hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency. Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding of the medication?
A. “I can stop taking this medication when I feel better.”
B. “I should take this medication with food.”
C. “I will double the dose if I miss one.”
D. “I should avoid taking this during flare-ups.”
What is B?
A 14-year-old patient is admitted with polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and a blood glucose level of 380 mg/dL. Laboratory testing confirms minimal insulin production due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate?
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Positive Chvostek or Trousseau signs after thyroid surgery indicate this electrolyte imbalance.
What is Hypocalcemia?
A Pituitary Adenoma is most commonly found in adult patients who present with this disease process.
What is Acromegaly?
A nurse is caring for a patient after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy for a pituitary tumor. Which finding requires immediate nursing action?
A. Mild headache rated 3/10
B. Mustache dressing with clear drainage
C. Nasal congestion
D. Sore throat when swallowing
What is B? Mustache dressing with clear drainage
A key teaching point for levothyroxine administration.
What is to take on an empty stomach in the morning?
This acute complication presents with Kussmaul respirations, ketones in the urine, and “juicy fruit” smelling breath.
What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA?
A patient’s lab results show:
TSH-5.2, T3-64, T4-3.5
Which interpretations by the nurse are correct? (Select all that apply.)
A. The thyroid gland is underactive
B. The pituitary is trying to stimulate the thyroid
C. These labs suggest hyperthyroidism
D. The patient may have primary hypothyroidism
E. Metabolism is likely increased
What is A, B, and D?
NCLEX Rationale...
When T3/T4 are low, the pituitary releases more TSH to “push” the thyroid → classic primary hypothyroidism pattern.
Metabolism is decreased, not increased.
Hyperthyroidism would show low TSH with high T3/T4.
Long-term steroid therapy should never be stopped abruptly because of this risk.
What is Adrenal Insufficiency?
A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) related to a pituitary disorder. Which primary lab finding should the nurse expect?
What is Hyponatremia?
This is the priority nursing intervention for a patient diagnosed with thyroid storm.
What is monitoring the airway, pulse, and temperature?