A nurse is assessing a client who has adrenal insufficiency. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Increased body hair
Decreased blood urea nitrogen level
Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Hypocalcemia
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increased body hair: Adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased androgen production, which may cause hair thinning rather than increased body hair. Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) is not a typical finding in adrenal insufficiency.
B. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level: Adrenal insufficiency is often associated with dehydration due to aldosterone deficiency, leading to reduced sodium retention and increased fluid loss. This can result in elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels rather than a decrease.
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin: Increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity, triggered by elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, causes darkening of the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas, skin folds, and mucous membranes. This is a hallmark feature of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease).
D. Hypocalcemia: Adrenal insufficiency is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Decreased cortisol levels can lead to reduced renal calcium excretion, contributing to elevated serum calcium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increase in urinary output: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that promotes diuresis to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). Increased urinary output is an expected effect and indicates the medication is working as intended.
B. Crackles on auscultation: Mannitol can lead to fluid overload, especially in clients with compromised renal or cardiac function. Crackles in the lungs suggest pulmonary edema, a serious adverse effect that should be reported immediately to prevent respiratory distress.
C. Intracranial pressure reading of 12 mm Hg: Normal ICP ranges from 5 to 15 mm Hg. A reading of 12 mm Hg is within the expected range and does not indicate an adverse effect of mannitol.
D. Glasgow coma scale rating of 15: A score of 15 indicates full consciousness and normal neurological function. This finding does not suggest an adverse reaction to mannitol.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increased body hair: Adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased androgen production, which may cause hair thinning rather than increased body hair. Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) is not a typical finding in adrenal insufficiency.
B. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level: Adrenal insufficiency is often associated with dehydration due to aldosterone deficiency, leading to reduced sodium retention and increased fluid loss. This can result in elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels rather than a decrease.
C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin: Increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity, triggered by elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, causes darkening of the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas, skin folds, and mucous membranes. This is a hallmark feature of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease).
D. Hypocalcemia: Adrenal insufficiency is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Decreased cortisol levels can lead to reduced renal calcium excretion, contributing to elevated serum calcium levels.
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