LPN exams endocrine practice questions

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LPN exams endocrine practice questions

You catch glucose, thyroid, and steroid problems from the labs and symptoms in the stem. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams practice questions.

Five endocrine questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

A 46-year-old Hispanic man has had increasing malaise with headaches and easy fatigability for the past 3 months. Physical examination reveals his blood pressure is 200/100 mm Hg. There are no palpable abdominal masses and no costovertebral tenderness. Laboratory studies show hemoglobin, 9.5 g/dL; hematocrit, 28.3%; MCV, 92 μm3; creatinine, 4.5 mg/dL; and urea nitrogen, 42 mg/dL. Urinalysis reveals 3+ hematuria and 3+ proteinuria, but no glucose or leukocytes. A renal biopsy is done; light microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen shows that approximately 50% of the glomeruli appear normal, but the rest show that a portion of the capillary tuft is sclerotic. Immunofluorescence staining shows IgM and C3 deposition in these sclerotic areas. His history is significant for repeated episodes of passing dark brown urine, which failed to respond to corticosteroid therapy. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for his disease?

  1. A. Attachment of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies
  2. B. Deposition of immune complexes containing microbial antigens
  3. C. Deposition of C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF)
  4. D. Dysfunction of the podocyte slit diaphragm apparatus
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Dysfunction of the podocyte slit diaphragm apparatus

Corticosteroid-resistant hematuria and proteinuria leading to hypertension and renal failure is typical for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is now the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults in the United States. Specialized extracellular areas overlying the glomerular basement membrane between adjacent foot processes of podocytes are called slit diaphragms, and these exert control over glomerular permeability. Mutations in genes affecting several proteins, including nephrin and podocin, have been found in inherited cases of FSGS; podocyte dysfunction, possibly caused by cytokines or unknown toxic factors, may be responsible for acquired cases of FSGS. FSGS with collapsing glomerulopathy is seen in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy. Immune complexes containing microbial antigens cause postinfectious glomerulonephritis (GN). Antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies are responsible for Goodpasture syndrome. C3NeF is an autoantibody directed against C3 convertase, and it is seen in membranoproliferative GN. Inherited defects in basement membrane collagen cause Alport syndrome, also characterized by hematuria, but other congenital abnormalities, such as deafness, are often present, and nephrotic syndrome is uncommon.

Question 2

A 15-year-old boy has been passing dark-colored urine for the past month. On physical examination, he has bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and corneal erosions. Urinalysis shows a pH of 6.5; specific gravity, 1.015; 1+ hematuria; 1+ proteinuria; and no ketones, glucose, or leukocytes. The serum creatinine level is 2.5 mg/dL, and the urea nitrogen level is 24 mg/dL. A renal biopsy specimen shows tubular epithelial foam cells by light microscopy. By electron microscopy, the glomerular basement membrane shows areas of attenuation, with splitting and lamination of lamina densa in other thickened areas. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. A. Mutation in a gene encoding type IV collagen
  2. B. Increased synthesis of abnormal IgA
  3. C. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
  4. D. Acquired deficiency of ADAMTS13 metalloprotease
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Mutation in a gene encoding type IV collagen

Alport syndrome is a form of hereditary nephritis. Hematuria is the most common presenting feature, but proteinuria is often present and may be in the nephrotic range. Patients progress to chronic renal failure in adulthood. An X-linked pattern of inheritance is present in 85% of cases, but autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive pedigrees also exist. The foamy change in the tubular epithelial cells and ultrastructural alterations of the basement membrane are characteristic features. The genetic defect results from mutation in the gene for the a5 chain of type IV collagen. IgA nephropathy is a form of glomerulonephritis that does not produce tubular epithelial changes. TTP is often associated with inherited or acquired deficiencies of ADAMTS13, leading to thrombotic microangiopathy, similar to hemolytic uremic syndrome from Escherichia coli Shiga toxin damaging vascular endothelium. Nodular and diffuse glomerulosclerosis are typical changes in diabetic nephropathy that can occur following loss of pancreatic islet beta cells. Toxic injuries are most likely to damage tubular cells, leading to acute tubular necrosis.

Question 3

What ion is sometimes used as a second messenger of amino acid-base hormones?

  1. A. Iron
  2. B. Calcium
  3. C. Sodium
  4. D. Chlorine
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Calcium

The correct answer is B: Calcium. Calcium ions are commonly used as second messengers for amino acid-base hormones due to their ability to trigger various cellular responses. When the hormone binds to its receptor on the cell surface, it activates specific signaling pathways that lead to an increase in intracellular calcium levels. This rise in calcium ions then initiates downstream signaling cascades, ultimately regulating processes such as gene expression, cell growth, and metabolism. Choice A - Iron: Iron is not typically involved in signaling pathways for amino acid-base hormones. It is more commonly known for its role in oxygen transport and storage in hemoglobin. Choice C - Sodium: While sodium ions play essential roles in cellular functions, they are not typically utilized as second messengers for amino acid-base hormones. Sodium is more commonly associated with maintaining cell membrane potential and fluid balance. Choice D - Chlorine: Chlorine ions are not typically involved in signaling pathways for amino acid-base hormones. Chlorine is primarily known for its role in maintaining

Question 4

Which division of the nervous system sends signals to the adrenal glands during moments of danger?

  1. A. Central nervous system
  2. B. Sympathetic division
  3. C. Parasympathetic division
  4. D. Peripheral nervous system
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Sympathetic division

The correct answer is B: Sympathetic division. This division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response during moments of danger. When an individual perceives a threat, the sympathetic division activates to prepare the body for action, including sending signals to the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol, which help increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and transmitting information within the body, but it does not directly send signals to the adrenal glands. C: The parasympathetic division is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" functions and works in opposition to the sympathetic division. It does not send signals to the adrenal glands during moments of danger. D: The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including sensory and motor nerves, but it does not specifically send signals

Question 5

The nurse is teaching assistive personnel (AP) about hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. Which hormone has the primary responsibility of maintaining fluid volume and electrolyte composition?

  1. A. Sodium
  2. B. Magnesium
  3. C. Aldosterone
  4. D. Renin
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Aldosterone

The correct answer is C: Aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid volume and electrolyte composition by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. It promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys, helping to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Therefore, aldosterone has the primary responsibility for maintaining fluid volume and electrolyte composition. A: Sodium - While sodium is an important electrolyte involved in fluid balance, it is not a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. B: Magnesium - Magnesium is also an important electrolyte, but it is not primarily responsible for maintaining fluid volume and electrolyte composition in the body. D: Renin - Renin is an enzyme produced by the kidneys that plays a role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, but it is not a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and does not have the primary responsibility for maintaining fluid volume and electrolyte composition.

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Question 6

A 12-year-old girl has experienced increasing malaise for the past 2 weeks. On physical examination, she has periorbital edema. The child is afebrile. Laboratory findings show proteinuria on dipstick urinalysis, but no hematuria or glucosuria. Microscopic examination of the urine shows numerous oval fat bodies. The serum creatinine level is 2.3 mg/dL. She receives a course of corticosteroid therapy, but does not improve. A renal biopsy is performed and microscopic examination shows that approximately 50% of the glomeruli in the specimen are affected by the lesion shown in the figure. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. A. Dense deposit disease
  2. B. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
  3. C. Minimal change disease
  4. D. Nodular glomerulosclerosis
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Question 7

Which of the following is the most important effect of somatotropic hormone?

  1. A. Promotion of the urinary excretion of calcium
  2. B. Growth of the musculoskeletal system
  3. C. Regulation of sodium and water balance
  4. D. Initiates and sustains labor to terminate pregnancy
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Question 8

Which gland is considered the most influential endocrine gland?

  1. A. Pineal gland
  2. B. Pituitary gland
  3. C. Thyroid gland
  4. D. Adrenal gland
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Question 9

A patient has been receiving a large dose of prednisone for the relief of arthritic pain for 6 months. He suddenly stops taking his medication. What is the most serious concern?

  1. A. His arthritic pain will recur.
  2. B. He will develop an acute adrenal insufficiency.
  3. C. He will continue to exhibit symptoms of Cushing syndrome.
  4. D. He will develop a moon face and buffalo hump.
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Question 10

When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, what happens next?

  1. A. The muscle fiber contracts
  2. B. Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft
  3. C. Endosomes containing neurotransmitter fuse to cell membrane, and release neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft
  4. D. Sodium channels open at the motor end plate, moving the cell membrane closer to threshold
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Question 11

A 25-year-old man has a 5-year history of celiac sprue. Four days after a mild upper respiratory infection, he begins passing dark red-brown urine. The dark urine persists for the next 3 days and then becomes clear and yellow, only to become red-brown again 1 month later. There are no remarkable findings on physical examination. Urinalysis shows a pH of 6.5; specific gravity, 1.018; 3+ hematuria; 1+ proteinuria; and no glucose or ketones. Microscopic examination of the urine shows RBCs, but no WBCs, casts, or crystals. A 24-hour urine protein level is 200 mg. A renal biopsy specimen from the glomeruli of this patient is most likely to show which of the following alterations?

  1. A. Diffuse cellular proliferation and basement membrane thickening
  2. B. Granular staining of the basement membrane by anti-IgG antibodies
  3. C. Mesangial IgA staining by immunofluorescence
  4. D. Subepithelial electron-dense deposits
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Question 12

Diabetes mellitus occurs due to deficiency of:

  1. A. Glucagon
  2. B. Thyroxin
  3. C. Insulin
  4. D. Melatonin
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Question 13

Which of the following is true about the endocrine system compared to the nervous system?

  1. A. A single hormone can target many different responses, whereas a nerve only targets a single response.
  2. B. Blood can carry all the same hormones throughout the body simultaneously, producing responses all over the body; nerve cells can only target a small number of cells.
  3. C. Nerve cells and blood work together. The endocrine has nothing to do with the nervous system.
  4. D. Endocrine hormones only target a very small number of precise responses.
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Question 14

This adrenal cortical mineralocorticoid helps regulate salt and water balance.

  1. A. Aldosterone
  2. B. Glucagon
  3. C. Cortisol
  4. D. ADH
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Question 15

A 48-year-old man has had increased swelling in the extremities for 2 months. Physical examination showed generalized edema. A 24-hour urine collection yielded 4.1 g of protein (albumin and globulins). He did not respond to a course of corticosteroid therapy. A renal biopsy was done, and microscopic examination showed diffuse thickening of the basement membrane. Immunofluorescence staining with antibody to the C3 component of complement was positive in a granular pattern in the glomerular capillary loops. Two years later, he experiences increasing malaise. Laboratory studies now show serum creatinine level of 4.5 mg/dL and urea nitrogen level of 44 mg/dL. Which of the following immunologic mechanisms was most likely responsible for the glomerular changes observed in the biopsy specimen?

  1. A. Antibodies that react with basement membrane collagen
  2. B. Antibodies against streptococci that cross-react with the basement membrane
  3. C. Cytotoxic T cells directed against renal antigens
  4. D. Deposition of immune complexes on the basement membrane
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About these LPN exams endocrine questions

LPN exams endocrine practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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