ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceEasy
A client presents to the clinic with complaints of persistent thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Blood tests reveal elevated blood glucose levels. The nurse understands these symptoms are indicative of a dysfunction in which endocrine gland?
- APancreas
- BPituitary gland
- CAdrenal gland
- DThyroid gland
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Pancreas
The symptoms of persistent thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and unexplained weight loss, coupled with elevated blood glucose, are classic signs of diabetes mellitus, a condition caused by insufficient insulin production or action from the pancreas.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The pituitary gland produces many hormones that control other glands, but direct dysfunction would not typically manifest with these specific glucose-related symptoms.
- C. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline; their dysfunction can lead to various issues but not directly these specific glucose-related symptoms.
- D. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, but its dysfunction typically presents with different symptoms like weight changes due to metabolic rate shifts, not primarily elevated blood glucose.
Pancreas (Endocrine Function)
An endocrine gland that produces hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood glucose levels.
- Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake into cells.
- Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glucose release from the liver.
- Dysfunction leads to diabetes mellitus (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Memory trick: Pancreatic Power Prevents Problematic Plasma levels.