Priority Decision: The nurse is assessing a newly admitted diabetic patient. Which observation should be addressed as the priority by the nurse?
- A. Bilateral numbness of both hands
- B. Rapid respirations with deep inspiration
- C. Stage II pressure ulcer on the right heel
- D. Areas of lumps and dents on the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid respirations with deep inspiration may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a medical emergency.
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The neurohypophysis or posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is not a true endocrine gland because ________.
- A. it is strictly a part of the neural system and has little or nothing to do with hormonal release
- B. embryonically it was an endocrine tissue, but in the adult human it is no longer functional
- C. it is unable to function as an endocrine tissue because it is actually part of the neural system due to its location
- D. it is only a hormone storage area that receives hormones from the hypothalamus for release
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the neurohypophysis stores hormones produced by the hypothalamus for release into the bloodstream. The neurohypophysis does not produce its own hormones but acts as a storage and release site.
A is incorrect as the neurohypophysis does play a role in hormonal release through the release of hormones produced by the hypothalamus. B is incorrect as the neurohypophysis remains functional in adults. C is incorrect as the neurohypophysis does function as an endocrine tissue by releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
Peptide hormones _______________.
- A. are hydrophilic
- B. cannot enter the target cell
- C. bind to a receptor on the cell surface
- D. all of these
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because peptide hormones are hydrophilic molecules that cannot pass through the cell membrane, so they bind to receptors on the cell surface to initiate signaling pathways within the cell. Therefore, they are unable to enter the target cell like lipid-soluble hormones do. By binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, peptide hormones trigger a series of events that ultimately lead to a cellular response. Therefore, all of the given statements are true, making D the correct choice.
The most important regulator of electrolyte concentrations in extracellular fluids is ________.
- A. insulin
- B. aldosterone
- C. glucagon
- D. cortisol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a key role in regulating electrolyte concentrations in extracellular fluids. It specifically acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This helps to maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body. Insulin, glucagon, and cortisol do not directly regulate electrolyte concentrations in extracellular fluids. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, glucagon regulates glucose release from the liver, and cortisol is involved in stress response and metabolism. Therefore, aldosterone is the most important regulator of electrolyte concentrations in extracellular fluids.
Which of the following drugs does not pass the blood-brain barrier:
- A. Ephedrine
- B. Propranolol
- C. Clonidine
- D. Guanethidine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Guanethidine. Guanethidine is a quaternary amine, which prevents it from passing the blood-brain barrier due to its charge. The blood-brain barrier is selective and only allows certain molecules to pass through. In contrast, choices A, B, and C (Ephedrine, Propranolol, Clonidine) are all capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to some extent due to their chemical properties. Ephedrine is a weak base, Propranolol is lipophilic, and Clonidine is relatively small in size, allowing them to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Mrs. J, a 40-year-old woman, was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which of the following is most likely to be included in her treatment plan?
- A. A high-protein diet
- B. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
- C. A high-fiber diet
- D. Low-sodium medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the mainstay of treatment for hypothyroidism to restore normal thyroid function.