Endocrine System
Endocrine System ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has decreased adrenal function due to aging. Which of the following values should the nurse expect to find?
This is wrong because decreased adrenal function due to aging can cause lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that regulates glucose metabolism and stress response . Lower cortisol levels can cause hypoglycemia (low glucose) and impaired ability to cope with stress .
Decreased sodium level. This is because decreased adrenal function due to aging can lead to lower levels of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance in the body. Lower aldosterone levels can cause sodium loss and potassium retention, resulting in hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium) .
This is wrong because decreased adrenal function due to aging can cause higher levels of potassium, as explained above.
This is wrong because decreased adrenal function due to aging can cause lower levels of glucose, as explained above.
The correct answer is B. Decreased sodium level.
This is because decreased adrenal function due to aging can lead to lower levels of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance in the body. Lower aldosterone levels can cause sodium loss and potassium retention, resulting in hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium) .
Choice A is wrong because decreased adrenal function due to aging can cause lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that regulates glucose metabolism and stress response . Lower cortisol levels can cause hypoglycemia (low glucose) and impaired ability to cope with stress .
Choice C is wrong because decreased adrenal function due to aging can cause higher levels of potassium, as explained above.
Choice D is wrong because decreased adrenal function due to aging can cause lower levels of glucose, as explained above.
Normal ranges for sodium, potassium, cortisol and glucose are:.
• Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L.
• Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.
• Cortisol: 5-25 mcg/dL (morning); 3-16 mcg/dL (afternoon).
• Glucose: 70-110 mg/dL (fasting); <140 mg/dL (2 hours after meal).