NCLEX Review: The Endocrine System Part 1 - Flashcardziz

Front

Which endocrine gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels in the body?

Back

Thyroid

Answer explanation

The thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine, which regulate metabolism and energy levels in the body. This makes it the key endocrine gland for these functions, unlike the pituitary, parathyroid, or adrenal glands.

Front

Which hormone is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by the cells?

Back

insulin

Answer explanation

Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, thus lowering blood sugar levels. Glucagon, aldosterone, and cortisol have different functions.

Front

What condition results from an excess of growth hormone (GH) in adults?

Back

Acromegaly

Answer explanation

Acromegaly is the condition caused by excess growth hormone in adults, leading to abnormal growth of bones and tissues. Gigantism occurs in children, while dwarfism is a deficiency of growth hormone. Cushing’s syndrome is unrelated.

Front

What condition results from an excess of growth hormone (GH) in adults?

Back

Acromegaly — enlarged hands, feet and facial features

Answer explanation

Acromegaly is the condition caused by excess growth hormone in adults, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. In contrast, gigantism occurs in children, while dwarfism results from GH deficiency.

Front

Which hormone is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood?

Back

Parathyroid hormone

Answer explanation

Parathyroid hormone is crucial for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It increases calcium absorption in the intestines, reabsorption in the kidneys, and mobilizes calcium from bones, making it the correct choice.

Front

Which gland is often referred to as the “master gland” because it controls many other endocrine glands in the body?

Back

pituitary

Answer explanation

The pituitary gland is known as the "master gland" because it regulates the activity of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid and adrenal glands, by releasing various hormones.

Front

Which hormone regulates BP by increasing the retention of sodium and water and excretion of potassium by the kidneys?

Back

Aldosterone

Answer explanation

Aldosterone is the hormone that regulates blood pressure by promoting sodium and water retention and increasing potassium excretion in the kidneys, making it the correct choice.

Front

Which hormone regulates BP by increasing the retention of sodium and water and excretion of potassium by the kidneys?

Back

Aldosterone – produced by adrenal glands to increase sodium content in the blood which promotes water reabsorption and ↑ BP

Answer explanation

Aldosterone is the hormone that regulates blood pressure by increasing sodium and water retention while promoting potassium excretion in the kidneys, thus raising blood volume and blood pressure.

Front

Which endocrine disorder is characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to inadequate insulin production or utilization?

Back

Diabetes mellitus

Answer explanation

Diabetes mellitus is the endocrine disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production or utilization, distinguishing it from other options like hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome.

Front

What is the primary function of the adrenal medulla?

Back

Release of stress hormones

Answer explanation

The adrenal medulla primarily functions to release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, which prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.