Free Endocrine and Diabetes Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. Wash and dry the hands before obtaining the sample
• B. Clean the finger with alcohol and test while wet
• C. Squeeze the finger firmly until a large drop forms
• D. Test immediately after eating a sugary snack

Explanation: Washing and drying removes food residue and prevents dilution of the blood sample.

• A. Advise the patient to take the next dose with milk
• B. Report the symptoms promptly to the healthcare provider
• C. Reassure the patient that these effects are expected
• D. Suggest increasing dietary iodine until symptoms improve

Explanation: Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious adverse effect of methimazole.

• A. Take it with calcium supplements after breakfast
• B. Take it on an empty stomach before breakfast
• C. Take it only when symptoms of hypothyroidism occur
• D. Take it at the same time as an iron tablet

Explanation: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach, usually before breakfast.

• A. Place the patient flat and offer oral fluids
• B. Assess the airway and call for immediate assistance
• C. Apply a warm compress over the incision
• D. Encourage coughing to clear throat secretions

Explanation: Noisy breathing and neck swelling may signal airway obstruction from bleeding or edema.

• A. Stop it immediately to prevent weight gain
• B. Taper it only according to the prescribed schedule
• C. Double the dose on days when pain is severe
• D. Skip doses regularly to allow the adrenal glands to rest

Explanation: Long-term corticosteroid therapy suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

• A. Small hands with a narrow lower jaw
• B. Enlarged hands and coarsened facial features
• C. Short stature with delayed sexual development
• D. Fine tremors with marked heat intolerance

Explanation: Excess growth hormone after epiphyseal closure causes enlargement of the hands, feet, jaw and facial bones.

• A. Primary hyperaldosteronism
• B. Primary hypothyroidism
• C. Central diabetes insipidus
• D. Adrenal insufficiency

Explanation: Excess aldosterone causes sodium retention and potassium loss, producing hypertension and weakness from hypokalaemia.

• A. I should skip meals when my glucose is above normal
• B. I should keep carbohydrate portions reasonably consistent
• C. I should eat only protein to prevent glucose elevation
• D. I should take extra insulin whenever I eat any carbohydrate

Explanation: Consistent carbohydrate intake helps match food intake with prescribed medication and activity.

• A. Keep it frozen until the day it is needed
• B. Keep it refrigerated and protect it from freezing
• C. Leave it in direct sunlight to maintain its temperature
• D. Shake it vigorously before every injection

Explanation: Unopened insulin is generally stored in a refrigerator and must not be frozen or exposed to excessive heat.

• A. Arrange prompt assessment by an eye specialist
• B. Advise resting the eyes and reviewing the symptom next month
• C. Cover the affected eye and continue routine diabetic care
• D. Recommend reading in brighter light until vision improves

Explanation: Sudden painless visual loss and floaters may indicate vitreous bleeding or retinal damage.

• A. Regular insulin
• B. NPH insulin
• C. Insulin glargine
• D. Insulin lispro

Explanation: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin formulated to provide a steady release and must not be mixed with other insulins.

• A. Assess respiratory effort and airway protection
• B. Measure the patient’s urine output
• C. Inspect the patient’s feet for injury
• D. Ask about the usual meal pattern

Explanation: Increasing drowsiness can reduce airway protection, while deep rapid breathing indicates severe metabolic acidosis.

• A. Take an extra dose before the study
• B. Discuss temporarily withholding it with the prescriber
• C. Replace it with rapid-acting insulin permanently
• D. Stop taking all diabetic medicines for one week

Explanation: Metformin may need to be withheld around iodinated contrast exposure because impaired renal function can increase the risk of lactic…

• A. Give sweet juice slowly by mouth
• B. Place glucose gel between the teeth
• C. Administer prescribed glucagon and call for help
• D. Give the person the next scheduled insulin dose

Explanation: An unconscious person may aspirate any oral food, drink or gel. Prescribed glucagon can raise blood glucose when the patient cannot…

• A. Persistent microalbuminuria
• B. Occasional post-meal thirst
• C. A single normal urine test
• D. Mild sweating before breakfast

Explanation: Persistent urinary albumin loss can be an early sign of diabetic kidney damage, often appearing before a major fall in renal function.

• A. The medicine prevents all insulin reactions
• B. The medicine may mask warning signs of hypoglycaemia
• C. The medicine should be stopped after one normal reading
• D. The medicine always causes severe hyperglycaemia

Explanation: Beta blockers such as propranolol can blunt adrenergic warning signs of hypoglycaemia, especially tachycardia and tremor.

• A. Encourage the patient to walk in the corridor
• B. Check for hypocalcaemia and notify the prescriber
• C. Offer a high-fibre snack with extra fluids
• D. Place the patient in a warm shower

Explanation: Perioral tingling and carpopedal spasm suggest hypocalcaemia caused by impaired parathyroid function after thyroid surgery.

• A. High sodium and low potassium
• B. Low sodium and high potassium
• C. High calcium and low glucose only
• D. Low sodium and low potassium

Explanation: Primary adrenal insufficiency causes deficient aldosterone, leading to sodium loss and potassium retention.

• A. Institute seizure precautions and notify the prescriber
• B. Encourage the patient to drink several litres of water
• C. Offer a low-sodium diet with unrestricted fluids
• D. Ambulate the patient independently every hour

Explanation: Severe hyponatraemia can cause cerebral oedema, confusion and seizures, so safety and seizure precautions are the immediate priority.

• A. Shake the vial vigorously before drawing the dose
• B. Roll the vial gently between the palms before drawing the dose
• C. Warm the vial in hot water for several minutes
• D. Draw the dose immediately after removing the vial from the refrigerator

Explanation: NPH insulin is a suspension, so it should be gently rolled to mix the insulin evenly without creating bubbles.