Chapter 59: Drugs for Disorders of the Adrenal Cortex

Chapter 59: Drugs for Disorders of the Adrenal Cortex

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

1. The nurse has admitted a patient to the unit. While asking about the health history, the nurse asks if the patient is taking any medications. The patient states that she has been taking adrenal corticosteroids for a long time. The nurse recognizes that ______ may result from the use of adrenal corticosteroids at high doses.

ANS:   B

The adverse effects of chronic, high-dose therapy with adrenal corticosteroids include adrenal suppression and Cushing’s syndrome.

Asthma, allergic reactions, and severe inflammation are not caused by high doses of adrenal corticosteroids.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 712

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

2. An obese patient is admitted to the unit. The blood glucose level is 379, urinalysis reveals glycosuria, blood pressure is 178/99, and the patient complains of muscle aches and weakness. The patient also exhibits a “moon face” and “buffalo hump.” The nurse recognizes these signs and symptoms as ______________________ and anticipates _____________________.

ANS:   C

Cushing’s syndrome is manifested by obesity, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hypertension, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, myopathy, hirsutism, a “moon face,” and a “buffalo hump.” Treatment is directed at the cause.

Graves’ disease is not associated with the adrenal gland, but rather with the thyroid gland.

Addison’s disease is manifested by weakness, emaciation, hypoglycemia, and increased pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Diabetes is manifested in many ways but not by a “moon face” or “buffalo hump.”

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                  REF:    p. 712

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

3. A patient has recently been diagnosed with adrenal hormone insufficiency. The nurse is providing patient education about the use of glucocorticoids. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates a need for further teaching?

ANS:   C

At times of stress, patients with Addison’s disease must increase their glucocorticoid dosage. Failure to increase the dose may be fatal. This statement best demonstrates the need for further teaching.

These statements are appropriate and demonstrate understanding. The patient should always wear a medical ID bracelet and carry extra medication, even an injection pen.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    p. 713

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies