Disorders of the Adrenal Gland Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the purpose of the cosyntropin (ACTH) stimulation test and how is its result interpreted?
• Which musculoskeletal problem is associated with Cushing disease?
• Which assessment finding is consistent with a diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism?
• Which is a common cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency?
• Which history item is least relevant when evaluating a female patient for suspected adrenal hypofunction?
• How should glucocorticoid replacement be dosed to mimic normal physiology in Addison's disease?
• What testing modality is preferred for diagnosing pheochromocytoma?
• What is the first-line imaging modality and suspicious features for evaluating an adrenal incidentaloma?
• Which statement best reflects awareness of hydrocortisone adverse effects in glucocorticoid deficiency management?
• Which intervention would the nurse delegate to the AP who is providing care to a patient with Cushing disease?
• Which biochemical profile favors a diagnosis of primary aldosteronism over secondary hypertension?
• Which combination of findings would most support a diagnosis of Cushing disease?
• Why might a separate mineralocorticoid be required in the management of Addison's disease?
• What is the rationale for administering ranitidine to a patient who is experiencing acute adrenal insufficiency?
• After a positive biochemical test for pheochromocytoma, what is the next recommended step?
• The nurse instructs a patient who is taking fludrocortisone for adrenal hypofunction to report which symptom to the health care provider?
• Which action would the nurse take first when a patient with Cushing disease reports a weight loss of 5lbs?
• Which question by the nurse is a priority when a patient on long-term corticosteroid treatment reports fatigue, nausea, and salt cravings?
• If a patient has hypercortisolism and edema, which electrolyte change is commonly observed?
• Which laboratory finding is consistent with hyperaldosteronism?
• Which electrolyte abnormality occurs in adrenal insufficiency?
• Which instruction reflects appropriate divided dosing of prednisone for adrenal hypofunction?
• Which intervention would the nurse include in a plan of care that addresses the risk for infection in a patient who is immobile and immunosuppressed because of hypercortisolism?
• Which genetic syndromes are associated with pheochromocytoma?
• Which of the following is a priority question in assessing a patient with suspected adrenal crisis due to corticosteroid withdrawal?
• What is a nursing priority for a hospitalized patient with Cushing disease?
• Which adrenal gland cell type secretes catecholamines and what is the typical proportion of epinephrine to norepinephrine?
• Which presentation may occur in affected newborn boys with classic CAH, depending on genotype?
• For planning care of a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency, which hormone deficit guides the interventions?
• Which discharge instruction is essential for a patient taking exogenous glucocorticoids to treat hypercortisolism?
• What imaging study is typically used first to evaluate an adrenal incidentaloma?
• Autoimmune adrenalitis is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in developed countries. It destroys which tissue of the adrenal gland?
• During a cosyntropin stimulation test, what constitutes an inadequate cortisol response?
• What is a nursing priority for a patient presenting to the ED with a history of adrenal insufficiency and laboratory results showing Na 130, K 5.6, and glucose 72?
• Which laboratory values should be monitored in a patient with adrenal hypofunction receiving steroid replacement?
• Which patient should be assessed first when considering hypertensive crisis and tremors in a Conn syndrome patient?
• Which combination of electrolyte abnormalities is most typical in adrenal insufficiency?
• What is the purpose of the low-dose and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests in the evaluation of suspected Cushing's syndrome?
• After educating a patient with hypercortisolism about preventing injury, which statement indicates effective understanding?
• Which preventive measure is recommended for patients on chronic glucocorticoids?
• Which is an important nursing assessment for a patient receiving fludrocortisone to treat adrenal hypofunction?
• In a patient with suspected hyperaldosteronism, which laboratory finding would you expect?
• Under what circumstances is adrenal venous sampling most indicated in suspected unilateral hyperaldosteronism?
• What is essential preoperative management for pheochromocytoma and why?
• Which baseline morning cortisol value would prompt ACTH stimulation testing for suspected adrenal insufficiency?
• Which class of medications is used to treat Cushing syndrome when surgery isn’t possible?
• During initial evaluation for pheochromocytoma, which test is used to screen for catecholamine metabolites?
• Which hormones are primarily produced by the adrenal cortex?
• After a shift handoff about four patients, which patient would the nurse attend to first?
• In metyrapone testing, what indicates an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis?
• Which manifestation would the nurse anticipate finding in a patient diagnosed with Cushing disease?
• In acute primary adrenal insufficiency, which electrolyte pattern is typical?
• Which immune change is associated with infection risk in hypercortisolism?
• Which condition is commonly managed with adrenalectomy?
• In unilateral suspected hyperaldosteronism, why is adrenal venous sampling used?
• Which test is used in the initial hormonal workup to screen for cortisol excess in adrenal incidentaloma evaluation?
• Distinguish Cushing disease from Cushing syndrome.
• In a patient with reduced aldosterone secretion, which electrolyte abnormality would you expect?
• Which medication is contraindicated for a patient diagnosed with acute adrenal insufficiency and hyperkalemia?
• In a patient being evaluated for Cushing disease, which lab pattern would most strongly indicate the disease when considered with cortisol?
• Which treatment modality would the health care provider prescribe for a patient with hyperaldosteronism?
• How can untreated CAH affect growth and puberty?
• After confirming a pheochromocytoma, what are the essential next steps before surgical resection?
• Recognizing that a patient with Cushing disease is at risk for injury, which intervention would the nurse include in the patient's plan of care?
• Which parameter is elevated in a patient with adrenal insufficiency?
• Which electrolyte change may accompany an acute primary adrenal crisis due to low cortisol?
• After providing education to a patient who is scheduled for a unilateral adrenalectomy, the nurse identifies that which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching was effective?
• Why should beta-blockade be used cautiously in pheochromocytoma?
• Which of the following statements about differentiating pituitary versus ectopic ACTH production is true?
• How does ACTH influence adrenal cortex zones?
• The rationale for divided prednisone dosing in adrenal insufficiency is to mimic what physiological pattern?
• What electrolyte abnormality is commonly seen with hypoaldosteronism?
• In screening for pheochromocytoma, which statement about plasma-free metanephrines is true?
• If noncontrast CT is indeterminate for an adrenal incidentaloma, what imaging is typically used next for further characterization?
• How can primary adrenal insufficiency be differentiated from secondary adrenal insufficiency using ACTH and cortisol levels?
• Which laboratory finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of Cushing disease?
• Metyrapone test measures which hormone after administration to assess the HPA axis?
• In a patient with adrenal gland hypofunction, which electrolyte abnormality should the nurse monitor for?
• A patient presents with symptoms consistent with acute adrenal insufficiency. Vital signs show a pulse of 118, respiratory rate 18, blood pressure 84/44, oxygen saturation 98%, and a temperature of 98.8 F. What is the priority intervention?
• Which of the following are secondary causes of adrenal insufficiency?
• In Addisonian crisis, which agent is commonly administered to correct hypoglycemia and provide glucocorticoid effect?
• What safety measure should the nurse use when assisting a patient with hypercortisolism who is at risk for bone fractures?
• Which laboratory test would be expected for a patient admitted with acute adrenal insufficiency?
• Assessment findings of moonface, hypertension, petechiae, and truncal obesity indicate increased ACTH. Which medication does the nurse expect to be prescribed?
• Which medication would the nurse plan to administer to a patient diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism?
• Besides increased cortisol, which laboratory result would you expect in a patient with suspected Cushing disease?
• Which condition is included in the differential diagnosis of an adrenal incidentaloma?
• Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with hyperaldosteronism?
• Which medication is used to treat hyperaldosteronism?
• Which hormone is primarily a mineralocorticoid?
• Which statement best describes Cushing disease?
• In primary aldosteronism, what are the expected laboratory findings?
• What MRI finding is often seen in pheochromocytoma on T2-weighted imaging?
• Which clinical finding would the nurse expect to find in a patient with Cushing disease?
• Following unilateral adrenalectomy, what is the expected status of adrenal function?
• Which is a common side effect of spironolactone therapy for hyperaldosteronism?
• A patient with Cushing disease has fragile skin; which shaving aid is appropriate to minimize injury?
• What is the classic triad of symptoms for pheochromocytoma?
• Which constellation of features is most consistent with Cushing syndrome due to ACTH excess?
• Which patient should be assessed first given electrolyte abnormalities suggestive of adrenal insufficiency?
• Which physical finding is most characteristic of hypercortisolism?
• Why is metyrapone generally avoided in pregnancy?
• Which type of cortisol response would the nurse expect when a patient with secondary adrenal insufficiency undergoes an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test?
• What skin finding is commonly associated with chronic adrenal insufficiency?
• Which patient should be assessed first among those with adrenal hypofunction?
• In the management of adrenal disorders, which parameter should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of fludrocortisone therapy?
• In patients with renal impairment, which screening test is preferable for pheochromocytoma and why?
• Which skin change would the nurse expect to find in a patient with hypercortisolism?
• When caring for a patient with hypercortisolism, the nurse begins to feel the onset of symptoms of a cold but still has 4 hours left in the shift. Which action by the nurse is correct?
• Cushing disease commonly causes which metabolic abnormality?
• For a patient with adrenal insufficiency starting a cortisol replacement, which instruction should the nurse include in patient education?
• In primary hyperaldosteronism, how does the RAAS respond and what is the expected renin level?
• Aldosterone/renin ratio is optional in the initial workup when which condition is present?
• Which medication is used to treat Cushing disease?
• Which patient should be prioritized for assessment when managing adrenal-related conditions, including Cushing disease and possible adrenalectomy?
• List common clinical features of Cushing syndrome.
• Which combination of signs is commonly seen in Cushing disease?
• Which enzyme deficiency underlies most cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and what hormone pathway is affected?
• Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient diagnosed with adrenal hypofunction?
• What is the most sensitive screening approach for pheochromocytoma in pregnancy?
• After reviewing laboratory reports for a patient with hypercortisolism, which finding should be reported immediately to the primary care provider?
• If a high-dose dexamethasone suppression test results in cortisol suppression, which source of ACTH is more likely?
• Which is the nurse's best response when a patient with Cushing disease begins to laugh loudly and inappropriately, causing the family in the room to be uncomfortable?
• A serum cortisol level of 4 mcg/dL suggests which condition?
• Which statement best describes the adrenal function finding in Addisonian crisis?
• Which instruction is correct for a patient taking cortisone for adrenal hypofunction?
• What is a common cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency?
• In the ED, a patient presents with hypertension, fatigue, and a 3-day history of weight loss and vomiting. A crisis is suspected. Which question is a priority?
• What is the initial fluid resuscitation choice in suspected acute adrenal crisis?
• Which mineralocorticoid is used for replacement in primary adrenal insufficiency and what parameter should be monitored?
• Which imaging feature is considered suspicious for an adrenal incidentaloma?
• Which medication blocks cortisol receptors and is used in Cushing syndrome when surgical options are limited?
• Which assessment finding would indicate infection in a patient who underwent an adrenalectomy?
• Which electrolyte abnormalities are typical in primary adrenal insufficiency?
• Which electrolyte abnormality is typical in adrenal insufficiency?
• What is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in developed countries?
• To allow for appropriate dose adjustments, which instruction would you provide to a patient prescribed oral hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency?
• Which imaging modality is commonly used to localize pheochromocytoma after biochemical confirmation?
• How do chronic exogenous glucocorticoids lead to Cushingoid features?
• Which feature best differentiates secondary adrenal insufficiency from primary adrenal insufficiency?
• Which electrolyte abnormality is typical in primary adrenal insufficiency?
• Which condition is associated with osteoporosis as a musculoskeletal complication?
• Which teaching specific to hydrocortisone would the nurse provide to a patient who is prescribed the medication to treat glucocorticoid deficiency?
• Which manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with Cushing disease?
• What ARR threshold and aldosterone level are commonly used to screen for primary hyperaldosteronism?
• Which condition would be least likely to cause adrenal insufficiency?
• Which test helps differentiate pituitary from ectopic ACTH production in suspected Cushing syndrome?
• A patient suspected of having Cushing disease is scheduled for dexamethasone suppression testing. Which statement indicates need for further teaching?
• Which sign is most specific for an adrenal source of androgen excess in a female?
• In a patient with hypercortisolism, which finding would contribute to the potential for infection?
• In classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which combination of hormone production occurs?
• Which clinical finding would the nurse expect in a patient with reduced aldosterone secretion?
• Which laboratory value would be most consistent with a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency?
• When assigning patients, which scenario would justify giving the patient to an RN floated from the pediatric unit?
• In a patient experiencing an Addisonian crisis with laboratory results showing potassium 5.4, sodium 130, calcium 8.0, and blood glucose 70, which medication would the nurse anticipate administering?
• What signs may indicate an adrenal source of androgen excess in a female patient?
• What infection-control measure is appropriate when caring for a patient with hypercortisolism who develops a cold during care?
• Which disorder causes the adrenal cortex to secrete too much cortisol?
• Which laboratory tests would likely be ordered for a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency?
• Which medication would be prescribed for ACTH-mediated Cushingoid features (e.g., moonface) as described in the scenario?
• Which instruction would be appropriate to delegate to assistive personnel for a hospitalized patient with suspected Cushing disease?
• For which reason would telemetry monitoring be indicated for a patient with acute adrenal insufficiency?
• Which is a primary cause of adrenal insufficiency?
• In the metyrapone test, what results indicate a normal HPA axis compared with a deficient axis?
• Which finding is more characteristic of primary adrenal insufficiency than secondary?
• Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is most accurately described as?
• What is the recommended perioperative pharmacologic approach to pheochromocytoma?
• ACTH has what effect on aldosterone production?
• What is the initial management step in suspected adrenal crisis?
• Secondary adrenal insufficiency is most commonly due to which etiology?
• Which medication is used for treatment of Cushing disease?
• After reviewing inpatient assignments, which patient should be assessed first?
• How does CAH typically present in a newborn girl versus a boy?
• Which statement best explains emotional changes in Cushing disease?
• Describe Addisonian crisis presentation?
• Which action by a patient with hypercortisolism can help prevent GI bleeding?
• Which finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient with hyperaldosteronism?
• Which medication instruction would the nurse provide to a patient who is prescribed cortisone for treatment of hypofunction of the adrenal gland?
• Which manifestation would the nurse anticipate finding in a patient diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency?
• Which change would the nurse expect to find in a patient with hypercortisolism upon physical assessment?