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 C
Explanation
A. Constipation: Radiation therapy to the neck does not typically affect the gastrointestinal system directly. Constipation is more commonly associated with opioid pain management or radiation targeting the abdominal or pelvic region rather than the head and neck area.
B. Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage leading to peripheral neuropathy is more often linked to chemotherapy, particularly agents like vincristine or cisplatin, rather than radiation therapy. Radiation to the neck primarily affects tissues in the irradiated field, such as the oral mucosa.
C. Mouth ulcers: Radiation to the neck frequently causes mucositis, leading to painful mouth ulcers due to the direct impact on rapidly dividing mucosal cells. Clients may experience pain, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of infection as a result of mucosal breakdown.
D. Decreased tear production: Radiation therapy to the neck is unlikely to directly affect the lacrimal glands. While radiation near the eyes can cause dry eyes, treatment focused on the neck primarily impacts the oral mucosa, salivary glands, and throat rather than tear production.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place the client in a negative pressure room: Negative pressure rooms are used for airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis, but are not required for internal brachytherapy. Clients receiving internal radiation require a private room with appropriate shielding to limit radiation exposure.
B. Dispose of the radioactive source in the client's trash can: Radioactive sources should never be discarded in regular trash. If dislodged, the source must be handled properly using protective equipment and disposed of in a designated lead container to prevent radiation exposure.
C. Limit each visitor to 1 hr per day: Visitors should be limited to 30 minutes per day and should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from the client. This minimizes radiation exposure to family members and healthcare providers.
D. Use long-handled forceps if the radioactive source is dislodged: If the internal radiation source becomes dislodged, it should never be touched directly. Long-handled forceps should be used to carefully place the source in a lead-lined container to protect against radiation exposure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
