A 32-year-old woman presents with a blood pressure of 155/96 mm Hg. In response to questioning, she admits that she loves licorice and eats some at least three times a week. She probably has a low level of
- A. type 2 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity
- B. ACTH
- C. 11β-hydroxylase activity
- D. glucocorticoid transferase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: type 2 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which inhibits this enzyme, leading to increased levels of cortisol and mineralocorticoids. This explains the elevated blood pressure in the patient. Choice B, ACTH, is incorrect because licorice consumption does not directly affect ACTH levels. Choice C, 11β-hydroxylase activity, is incorrect as licorice does not impact this enzyme directly. Choice D, glucocorticoid transferase, is also incorrect as licorice does not affect this enzyme's activity.
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What is a cause of primary hypothyroidism in adults?
- A. Malignant or benign thyroid nodules
- B. Surgical removal or failure of the pituitary gland
- C. Surgical removal or radiation of the thyroid gland
- D. Autoimmune-induced atrophy of the thyroid gland
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Primary hypothyroidism in adults is commonly caused by autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which leads to thyroid tissue destruction.
Which endocrine gland is known as the master gland?
- A. Adrenal
- B. Liver
- C. Pancreas
- D. Pituitary
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it controls the functions of other endocrine glands in the body by secreting various hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, metabolism, and other essential bodily functions. It is located at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Adrenal gland primarily regulates stress response and metabolism.
B: Liver is not an endocrine gland; it is involved in metabolism and detoxification.
C: Pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon secretion but is not known as the master gland.
A patient with type 1 diabetes uses 20 U of 70/30 neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH/regular) in the morning and at 6:00 pm. When teaching the patient about this regimen, what should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Hypoglycemia is most likely to occur before the noon meal.
- B. Flexibility in food intake is possible because insulin is available 24 hours a day.
- C. A set meal pattern with a bedtime snack is necessary to prevent hypoglycemia.
- D. Premeal glucose checks are required to determine needed changes in daily dosing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A set meal pattern with a bedtime snack is important to help prevent hypoglycemia, particularly with NPH insulin.
Which of the Following Endocrine Glands Contributes to Setting the Body's Biological Clock?
- A. Pituitary gland
- B. Pineal gland
- C. Thymus gland
- D. Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pineal gland. The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle, thus contributing to setting the body's biological clock. This gland responds to light and darkness, helping to synchronize our internal clock with the day-night cycle. The pituitary gland (A) regulates various hormones but not specifically the biological clock. The thymus gland (C) is responsible for immune function, not the biological clock. The adrenal gland (D) secretes hormones related to stress response, not the biological clock. In summary, the pineal gland is key in regulating the body's biological clock through melatonin secretion, making it the correct choice.
Which of the following symptoms of diabetes mellitus is correctly matched to its description?
- A. polyuria - excessive thirst
- B. polyphagia - excessive ketones in the blood
- C. polydipsia - excessive urine
- D. glycosuria - excessive sugar in the urine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, glycosuria - excessive sugar in the urine. In diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar levels lead to glucose spilling into the urine, causing glycosuria. Polyuria (excessive urine) is due to the kidneys trying to eliminate the excess glucose. Polyphagia (excessive hunger) results from cells not receiving enough glucose for energy. Polydipsia (excessive thirst) occurs as a result of dehydration from polyuria. Choice D is correct as it directly relates to the presence of sugar in the urine, a hallmark symptom of diabetes mellitus.