ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceEasy
A client presents with symptoms including excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Blood tests reveal elevated glucose levels. Which endocrine gland is most likely dysfunctional?
- APancreas
- BPituitary gland
- CThyroid gland
- DAdrenal gland
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Pancreas
The symptoms described (excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and elevated glucose levels) are classic indicators of diabetes mellitus, a condition directly linked to the dysfunction of the pancreas in producing or properly utilizing insulin.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The pituitary gland produces many hormones that control other endocrine glands, but it is not directly responsible for glucose regulation in the way the pancreas is.
- C. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, but its dysfunction typically presents with different symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or heat/cold intolerance, not primarily elevated glucose.
- D. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, involved in stress response and metabolism, but their primary dysfunction does not directly cause the described glucose regulation issues.
Pancreatic Islets
Clusters of cells within the pancreas responsible for producing hormones like 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 of these islets leads to diabetes mellitus.
Memory trick: Endocrine Glands: Hormones Help Organs Operate.