A nurse is providing education to a client who has hypoglycemia. Which of the following information should the nurse include about the regulation of blood glucose levels?
The adrenal glands release epinephrine and norepinephrine to respond to low blood glucose.
The liver releases glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
Glycogenesis occurs in the pancreas when blood glucose levels fall.
The brain uses protein for energy if glucose levels fall too low.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
The adrenal glands play a crucial role in responding to low blood glucose levels by releasing epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones help to increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to glucose) and gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) in the liver. This response is part of the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism, which ensures that sufficient glucose is available for immediate energy needs.
Choice B Reason:
The liver does not release glucagon; rather, it responds to glucagon, which is released by the pancreas. Glucagon stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). This process helps to raise blood glucose levels when they are low.
Choice C Reason:
Glycogenesis is the process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage, and it occurs primarily in the liver and muscle cells, not in the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin to promote glycogenesis when blood glucose levels are high, but it does not perform glycogenesis itself.
Choice D Reason:
The brain primarily uses glucose for energy and does not switch to using protein unless glucose levels are extremely low and prolonged. In such cases, the brain can use ketone bodies derived from fat as an alternative energy source. Protein is not a primary energy source for the brain under normal conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not a direct cause of central diabetes insipidus. Central diabetes insipidus is primarily related to issues with the production or release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Hypokalemia can affect kidney function but does not typically cause central diabetes insipidus.
Choice B Reason:
Surgery, particularly brain surgery, can cause central diabetes insipidus by damaging the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. These structures are crucial for the production and release of ADH, which regulates water balance in the body. Damage to these areas during surgery can lead to a deficiency in ADH, resulting in central diabetes insipidus.
Choice C Reason:
Renal failure is not a cause of central diabetes insipidus. While renal failure affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and balance fluids, central diabetes insipidus is related to a deficiency in ADH production or release. Renal failure can lead to other types of diabetes insipidus, such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where the kidneys do not respond properly to ADH.
Choice D Reason:
Sickle cell disease is not a direct cause of central diabetes insipidus. Sickle cell disease primarily affects red blood cells and can lead to various complications, including kidney damage. However, it does not typically cause central diabetes insipidus, which is related to issues with ADH production or release.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Swollen and enlarged veins, also known as varicose veins, are a common manifestation of peripheral venous disease (PVD). This condition occurs when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged, leading to blood pooling and increased pressure within the veins. This results in the veins becoming enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin1. Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and a heavy feeling in the legs. They are often exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting and can be a cosmetic concern as well.
Choice B Reason:
Loss of pigmentation over the shin area is not typically associated with peripheral venous disease. This symptom is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where prolonged venous hypertension leads to skin changes, including hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis. However, it is not a primary manifestation of PVD itself.
Choice C Reason:
A shiny appearance to the lower extremities is more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) rather than peripheral venous disease. In PAD, reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause the skin to become thin, shiny, and hairless. This is due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin and underlying tissues. In contrast, PVD primarily affects the veins and does not typically cause these skin changes.
Choice D Reason:
Diminished hair growth on the lower extremities is another symptom more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, the reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to hair loss, as the hair follicles do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. Peripheral venous disease, on the other hand, does not usually cause hair loss. Instead, it is characterized by symptoms related to venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes.
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