A nurse is caring for a patient who has excessive catecholamine release. Which assessment finding would the nurse correlate with this condition?
- A. Decreased blood pressure
- B. Increased pulse
- C. Decreased respiratory rate
- D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased pulse. Excessive catecholamine release, such as in a stress response, leads to sympathetic nervous system activation causing an increase in heart rate (pulse). This physiological response is known as the "fight or flight" response. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as catecholamine release typically leads to increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate, and decreased urine output due to vasoconstriction, increased oxygen demand, and fluid retention respectively.
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Obesity:
- A. antagonizes insulin.
- B. elevates blood glucose levels.
- C. increases blood pressure.
- D. all is applicable.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which antagonizes insulin, causing elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, obesity is associated with increased risk of hypertension, leading to increased blood pressure. Therefore, all choices are applicable in describing the effects of obesity on the body.
Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex?
- A. Insulin
- B. Epinephrine
- C. Aldosterone
- D. Glucagon
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Aldosterone. The adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, which helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Insulin (A) is produced by the pancreas, epinephrine (B) is produced by the adrenal medulla, and glucagon (D) is produced by the pancreas. Aldosterone is the only hormone produced by the adrenal cortex among the options provided, making it the correct answer.
The release of cortisol is stimulated by
- A. aldosterone
- B. angiotensin
- C. antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
- D. adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is released by the pituitary gland in response to stress or low cortisol levels, stimulating the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Aldosterone (A) regulates electrolyte balance, angiotensin (B) regulates blood pressure, and antidiuretic hormone (C) regulates water balance, but they do not directly stimulate cortisol release. So, ACTH is the correct choice for stimulating cortisol production.
A patient presents with polyuria and thirst. There appears to be no elevation of glucose in the body, however, the serum osmolality appears to be low. Upon performing the water deprivation test, the osmolatity is still low. Which of the following is true?
- A. The problem is in the pituitary
- B. The problem is in the kidneys
- C. The patient has diabetes mellitus
- D. The patient has high ADH in the serum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The problem is in the kidneys. In this scenario, the low serum osmolality despite water deprivation indicates the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, leading to excessive loss of water. This condition is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Choice A is incorrect as pituitary dysfunction would result in high serum osmolality due to lack of ADH. Choice C is incorrect as diabetes mellitus would show high glucose levels. Choice D is incorrect as high ADH in the serum would lead to concentrated urine and high serum osmolality.
Which instruction given to a patient taking a β-blocker is essential to reduce the chance of an adverse response to the β-blocker, regardless of the purpose for which it’s been prescribed?
- A. Don’t stop taking this medication without a doctor’s advice first. A severe reaction can happen within days if you stop abruptly.
- B. Don’t go too far away from a bathroom; this drug usually causes urinary frequency.
- C. It’s likely to cause blurred vision for a few days; you may have trouble reading.
- D. It’s likely to cause constipation, so eat plenty of fiber and drink plenty of water.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Don't stop taking this medication without a doctor's advice first." Abruptly stopping a β-blocker can lead to severe adverse reactions like rebound hypertension, angina exacerbation, or arrhythmias due to sudden withdrawal. This instruction is crucial to prevent these potentially dangerous consequences.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: β-blockers are not known to commonly cause urinary frequency, so this warning is unnecessary.
C: Blurred vision is not a common side effect of β-blockers, so this warning is irrelevant.
D: While constipation can be a side effect of some medications, it is not a prominent side effect of β-blockers, so this advice is not essential for patients taking β-blockers.