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 RN exams exam guide or more RN 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
Which hormone is involved in the regulation of calcium levels in the blood?
A. parathyroid hormone
B. aldosterone
C. calcitonin
D. thyroid hormone
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — parathyroid hormone
The correct answer is A: parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood by increasing calcium release from bones, enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines, and promoting calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. This hormone acts to elevate blood calcium levels when they are low.
B: Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels, not calcium.
C: Calcitonin is involved in lowering blood calcium levels by inhibiting the breakdown of bone tissue, but it is not the primary hormone responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood.
D: Thyroid hormone plays a role in metabolism regulation, growth, and development, but it is not directly involved in the regulation of calcium levels in the blood.
Question 2
Glucocorticoids enable the body to deal appropriately with stress. They accomplish this by ________.
A. increasing blood glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid levels and enhancing blood pressure
B. decreasing the heart rate, thus decreasing blood pressure
C. stimulating the pancreas to release insulin
D. blocking the neurotransmitters that prepare the body for the stress response
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — increasing blood glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid levels and enhancing blood pressure
The correct answer is A because glucocorticoids, like cortisol, increase blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis, elevate fatty acid levels for energy production, and promote amino acid breakdown for energy. This helps the body respond to stress by providing necessary energy sources. Additionally, glucocorticoids can enhance blood pressure to ensure adequate blood flow during stress.
Option B is incorrect because glucocorticoids typically increase heart rate and blood pressure to support the stress response. Option C is incorrect as glucocorticoids do not stimulate the release of insulin; instead, they can have an anti-insulin effect. Option D is incorrect as glucocorticoids do not block neurotransmitters but rather modulate the stress response at various levels.
Question 3
Select the correct statement about the structure or function of chemical messengers.
A. Prostaglandins are biologically active peptides.
B. Modified cholesterol forms the main structural component of the peptone hormones.
C. An amino acid derivative can be a hormone.
D. An example of a paracrine is testosterone.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — An amino acid derivative can be a hormone.
The correct answer is C: An amino acid derivative can be a hormone. This statement is correct because many hormones are derived from amino acids, such as thyroid hormones (derived from tyrosine) and epinephrine (derived from phenylalanine). Hormones can be derived from various sources, including amino acids, peptides, lipids, and even gases.
Explanation of other choices:
A: Prostaglandins are not biologically active peptides; they are lipid compounds derived from fatty acids.
B: Modified cholesterol does not form the main structural component of peptone hormones; peptides are the main structural components of peptide hormones.
D: Testosterone is a steroid hormone and not an example of a paracrine, which is a type of chemical messenger that acts on nearby cells.
Question 4
Which of the following is true about calcium homeostasis?
A. Increased calcitonin levels will cause increased blood calcium levels.
B. High calcium levels cause bone resorption.
C. Parathyroid hormone causes an increase in osteoblast activity.
D. Parathyroid hormone is the single most important regulator of calcium levels in the blood.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Parathyroid hormone is the single most important regulator of calcium levels in the blood.
The correct answer is D: Parathyroid hormone is the single most important regulator of calcium levels in the blood. Parathyroid hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis by stimulating bone resorption, increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and activating vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption in the intestines. It acts to raise blood calcium levels when they are low.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Increased calcitonin levels actually lower blood calcium levels by promoting calcium deposition in bones.
B: High calcium levels do not cause bone resorption; it is actually the opposite as mentioned in choice D.
C: Parathyroid hormone does not increase osteoblast activity; it primarily affects osteoclasts to release calcium from bones.
Question 5
This is a strange day for you in the emergency department. Now you have to treat another normovolemic patient with acute drug-induced hypotension, and give the usually correct and effective dose of phenylephrine. This time the drug causes a vasopressor response that is far greater than you've ever encountered: systolic pressure rises dramatically, if not dangerously. Which of the following drugs did the patient most likely take an overdose of?
A. Atenolol
B. Bethanechol
C. Prazosin
D. Reserpine
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Reserpine
The correct answer is D: Reserpine. Reserpine is a drug that depletes catecholamines like norepinephrine and dopamine from nerve endings, leading to a prolonged and exaggerated response to sympathomimetic drugs like phenylephrine. This results in a dramatic increase in blood pressure when phenylephrine is given.
Rationale:
1. Atenolol (A) is a beta-blocker and would not lead to a vasopressor response.
2. Bethanechol (B) is a cholinergic agonist and would not lead to a vasopressor response.
3. Prazosin (C) is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist and would not lead to a vasopressor response.
In summary, Reserpine is the correct answer because it depletes catecholamines, leading to an exaggerated response to sympathomimetic drugs like phenylephrine, resulting in
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Question 6
Which of the following is descriptive of the adrenal cortex?
A. It is the target gland of ACTH.
B. It secretes catecholamines.
C. It secretes hormones that lower blood glucose.
D. It secretes iodine-containing hormones.
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. The adrenal cortex is indeed the target gland of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone).
2. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release corticosteroid hormones.
3. These corticosteroid hormones play crucial roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress response.
4. Therefore, choice A accurately describes the relationship between the adrenal cortex and ACTH.
Summary:
Choice A is correct because the adrenal cortex is the target gland of ACTH, not the other choices. The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines (choice B), hormones that raise blood glucose (not lower, as in choice C), and iodine-containing hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland, not the adrenal cortex (choice D).
Pituitary Gland, Which is Also the Master Endocrine Gland Is Controlled by Which of the Following?
A. Thyroid
B. Hypothalamus
C. Pineal gland
D. None of the above
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland by releasing hormones that stimulate or inhibit pituitary hormone production. This relationship is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus is considered the master controller of the endocrine system, making it the correct choice.
A: Thyroid - The thyroid gland is not directly responsible for controlling the pituitary gland. It is a separate endocrine gland that produces its own hormones.
C: Pineal gland - The pineal gland primarily regulates the sleep-wake cycle and produces melatonin. It does not play a direct role in controlling the pituitary gland.
D: None of the above - This is incorrect as the hypothalamus does indeed control the pituitary gland.
Select the correct statement about the structure or function of chemical messengers.
A. Prostaglandins are biologically active peptides.
B. Modified cholesterol forms the main structural component of the peptone hormones.
C. An amino acid derivative can be a hormone.
D. An example of a paracrine is testosterone.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: An amino acid derivative can be a hormone. This statement is correct because many hormones are derived from amino acids, such as thyroid hormones (derived from tyrosine) and epinephrine (derived from phenylalanine). Hormones can be derived from various sources, including amino acids, peptides, lipids, and even gases.
Explanation of other choices:
A: Prostaglandins are not biologically active peptides; they are lipid compounds derived from fatty acids.
B: Modified cholesterol does not form the main structural component of peptone hormones; peptides are the main structural components of peptide hormones.
D: Testosterone is a steroid hormone and not an example of a paracrine, which is a type of chemical messenger that acts on nearby cells.
Which of the following occur due to increased secretion of testosterone during puberty in male humans?
A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 3 and 4 only
Correct answer:
Step 1: Increased muscle growth (1) is due to testosterone promoting protein synthesis, leading to muscle hypertrophy.
Step 2: Deepening of voice (2) is caused by testosterone thickening the vocal cords.
Step 3: Growth of facial hair (3) is stimulated by testosterone promoting hair follicle growth.
Step 4: Enlargement of testes (4) is a direct effect of increased testosterone levels. Therefore, choices A, B, C, and D are analyzed:
- B is incorrect as it excludes the enlargement of testes.
- C is incorrect as it excludes the growth of facial hair.
- D is incorrect as it excludes both muscle growth and the growth of facial hair.
Conclusion: Choice A is correct as it includes all the effects of increased testosterone secretion during puberty in male humans.
Albuterol causes selective activation of β2 adrenergic receptors when administered in 'low doses,' mainly by inhalation. If very large doses of albuterol were given, or if the drug is administered intravenously, the effects caused by albuterol would look quite different and would resemble those of which one of the following drugs?
A. Epinephrine
B. Isoprenaline
C. Norepinephrine
D. Phenylephrine
Correct answer:
Step 1: Albuterol selectively activates β2 adrenergic receptors in low doses.
Step 2: Isoprenaline is a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist.
Step 3: Very large doses of albuterol or IV administration would lead to non-selective activation of beta receptors.
Step 4: Isoprenaline also activates both β1 and β2 receptors, causing a broad range of effects.
Step 5: Therefore, the effects of high-dose albuterol would resemble those of Isoprenaline, making B the correct answer.
Summary:
Choice A (Epinephrine) is incorrect because epinephrine primarily acts on both α and β adrenergic receptors, not just β2.
Choice C (Norepinephrine) is incorrect as it mainly acts on α adrenergic receptors, not β.
Choice D (Phenylephrine) is incorrect because it is a
The normal endocrine controls can be directly overridden by the __________ system.
A. nervous
B. circulatory
C. digestive
D. reproductive
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: nervous system. The nervous system can directly override normal endocrine controls through the release of neurotransmitters that can stimulate or inhibit hormone release from endocrine glands. The nervous system can rapidly respond to immediate changes in the internal or external environment, allowing for quick adjustments in hormone levels.
Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: The circulatory system is not involved in directly overriding endocrine controls.
C: The digestive system primarily regulates the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, not endocrine controls.
D: The reproductive system is responsible for the production of sex hormones and gametes, but it does not directly override normal endocrine controls.
Why is the posterior pituitary gland called the neurohypophysis?
A. The posterior pituitary gland is an extension of the hypothalamus.
B. The neurohypophysis secretes releasing hormones.
C. The posterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate adenohypophyseal function.
D. The posterior pituitary gland secretes releasing hormones.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the posterior pituitary gland is an extension of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus produces hormones that are stored and released by the posterior pituitary gland. This connection between the two structures allows for direct neural control over hormone release.
Option B is incorrect because the neurohypophysis does not secrete releasing hormones; rather, it releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus. Option C is incorrect because the posterior pituitary gland does not regulate adenohypophyseal function; instead, it stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus. Option D is incorrect because the posterior pituitary gland does not secrete releasing hormones; it releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
In a patient with centripetal obesity, acne and hirsutism. The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Cushing's syndrome
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hypogonadism
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct answer:
Centripetal obesity, acne, and hirsutism are classic features of Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, which can be due to various causes such as adrenal tumors, pituitary adenomas, or exogenous glucocorticoid use. Centripetal obesity refers to the characteristic fat distribution pattern seen in Cushing's syndrome, where fat accumulates mainly in the face, neck, and trunk while sparing the limbs. Acne and hirsutism are also commonly seen in Cushing's syndrome due to the hormonal imbalances caused by excess cortisol. Testing for serum cortisol levels, dexamethasone suppression tests, and imaging studies can help confirm the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in a patient presenting with these symptoms.
This is a strange day for you in the emergency department. Now you have to treat another normovolemic patient with acute drug-induced hypotension, and give the usually correct and effective dose of phenylephrine. This time the drug causes a vasopressor response that is far greater than you've ever encountered: systolic pressure rises dramatically, if not dangerously. Which of the following drugs did the patient most likely take an overdose of?
A. Atenolol
B. Bethanechol
C. Prazosin
D. Reserpine
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Reserpine. Reserpine is a drug that depletes catecholamines like norepinephrine and dopamine from nerve endings, leading to a prolonged and exaggerated response to sympathomimetic drugs like phenylephrine. This results in a dramatic increase in blood pressure when phenylephrine is given.
Rationale:
1. Atenolol (A) is a beta-blocker and would not lead to a vasopressor response.
2. Bethanechol (B) is a cholinergic agonist and would not lead to a vasopressor response.
3. Prazosin (C) is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist and would not lead to a vasopressor response.
In summary, Reserpine is the correct answer because it depletes catecholamines, leading to an exaggerated response to sympathomimetic drugs like phenylephrine, resulting in
Which of the following is descriptive of the adrenal cortex?
A. It is the target gland of ACTH.
B. It secretes catecholamines.
C. It secretes hormones that lower blood glucose.
D. It secretes iodine-containing hormones.
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. The adrenal cortex is indeed the target gland of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone).
2. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release corticosteroid hormones.
3. These corticosteroid hormones play crucial roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress response.
4. Therefore, choice A accurately describes the relationship between the adrenal cortex and ACTH.
Summary:
Choice A is correct because the adrenal cortex is the target gland of ACTH, not the other choices. The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines (choice B), hormones that raise blood glucose (not lower, as in choice C), and iodine-containing hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland, not the adrenal cortex (choice D).
RN exams endocrine practice questions, set 4 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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