Endocrine System Practice Test 2
Endocrine System NCLEX Practice Test
Endocrine System is a key topic within the NCLEX test plan, located under Nursing Science → Clinical Foundations → Endocrine System. This section reviews hormonal regulation and nursing priorities in metabolic and endocrine disorders. Each test contains 50 questions designed to mirror the difficulty and variety of the real exam.
This is the 2nd part of the Endocrine System series. To explore all practice tests under this topic, use the “Back to Main Topic” button at the end of the page.
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Endocrine System Practice Test 2
Your patient has chronic anemia. They are anemic because of lack of the hormone erythropoietin. Which organ is the main site for its production?
- Liver
- Kidney
- Heart
- Spleen
Explanation: Answer reason: Erythropoietin is produced predominantly by peritubular interstitial cells in the renal cortex; the liver is only a minor source in adults.
Which of the following systems is responsible for releasing chemical that regulate body activities?
- Skeletal
- Cardiovascular
- Nervous
- Endocrine
Explanation: Answer reason: The endocrine system releases hormones—chemical messengers that regulate and coordinate body activities.
Which gland produces hormones that regulates metabolism?
- Thyroid gland
- Pituitary gland
- Adrenal gland
- Pancreas
Explanation: Answer reason: The thyroid secretes T3 and T4, which regulate the body’s basal metabolic rate and overall metabolism.
What is the primary symptom of diabetes insipidus?
- High blood sugar
- Excess thirst
- Fatique
- Weight loss
Explanation: Answer reason: Diabetes insipidus is due to ADH deficiency or resistance, causing large water losses (polyuria) and resulting in polydipsia (excess thirst). Hyperglycemia is typical of diabetes mellitus, not DI.
Which statement accurately describes the role of the pituitary gland in thyroid hormone regulation?
- The thyroid produces TSH in response to low T4 levels.
- TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.
- T3 and T4 levels regulate the release of TSH.
- The hypothalamus directs TSH release based on blood calcium levels.
Explanation: Answer reason: The anterior pituitary secretes TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland to synthesize and release T3 and T4. A is incorrect because the thyroid does not produce TSH; C describes negative feedback rather than the pituitary’s direct role; D is incorrect—TSH is regulated by TRH and thyroid hormone feedback, not blood calcium.
A patient's T4 level is elevated and TSH level is low; which condition is most likely indicated by these lab results?
- Primary hypothyroidism
- Subclinical hyperthyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Secondary hypothyroidism
Explanation: Answer reason: High T4 with suppressed TSH reflects negative feedback from excess thyroid hormone—overt primary hyperthyroidism. Subclinical hyperthyroidism would have low TSH with normal T4/T3.
Acromegaly is caused by an excess of which hormone?
- Prolactin
- Cortisol
- Growth Hormone
- Thyroxine
Explanation: Answer reason: Acromegaly is due to excessive secretion of growth hormone in adults, typically from a pituitary adenoma.
_______ is also known as master gland?
- Pituitary gland
- Pineal gland
- Adrenal gland
- Pancreas
Explanation: Answer reason: The pituitary gland is called the master gland because its hormones regulate other endocrine glands.
Which hormone is responsible for triggering ovulation in females?
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
- Leutenizing H
Explanation: Answer reason: The mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary triggers ovulation. Progesterone maintains the endometrium, estrogen promotes follicular growth, and testosterone is not the ovulatory trigger.
One of the following is not a type of cell in the pancreas?
- Alpha cell
- Beta cell
- Gamma cell
- Beta cell
Explanation: Answer reason: Islets of Langerhans contain alpha, beta, delta and PP (F) cells; 'gamma cell' is not a standard pancreatic islet cell type.
Insulin is secreted by?
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Kidney
- Stomach
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans).
Which hormone is also known as vasopressin?
- ADH
- LH
- Prolactin
Explanation: Answer reason: Vasopressin is the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) released from the posterior pituitary.
Which hormone is important for the fight and flight response?
- Adrenaline
- Insulin
- Oxytocin
- Melatonin
Explanation: Answer reason: Adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal medulla mediates the sympathetic fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose. The other options are not primary stress-response hormones.
Which hormone is important for the fight or flight response?
- Adrenaline
- Insulin
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: Adrenaline (epinephrine) is released by the adrenal medulla to trigger the sympathetic fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose availability.
From which cell of the pancreas is glucagon secreted?
- Alpha cell
- Beta cell
- Gamma cell
- Delta cell
Explanation: Answer reason: Glucagon is produced and secreted by pancreatic islet alpha (A) cells.
Which of the following TSH test findings might suggest the need for further evaluation for a possible pituitary gland disorder?
- High TSH with normal T4
- Low TSH with normal T4
- High TSH with low T4
- Low TSH with elevated T4
Explanation: Answer reason: TSH is produced by the pituitary. A disproportionately elevated TSH despite normal thyroid hormone levels is discordant with primary thyroid disease and can indicate inappropriate TSH secretion, warranting evaluation for a pituitary disorder.
Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly seen in patients with Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)?
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Ketone breath odor
- Confusion or coma
Explanation: Answer reason: HHNS is characterized by severe hyperglycemia and dehydration with minimal to no ketosis; neurologic changes like confusion/coma are common, but ketone breath odor is typical of DKA, not HHNS.
Which of the following is NOT an effect of glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal cortex?
- Gluconeogenesis
- Lipogenesis
- Delayed wound healing
- Weak mineralocorticoid effect
Explanation: Answer reason: Glucocorticoids increase gluconeogenesis, impair wound healing via anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions, and have weak mineralocorticoid activity. They generally promote lipolysis and fat redistribution rather than lipogenesis, so lipogenesis is not a primary effect.
Which of the following assessment findings is associated with a patient who has hyperparathyroidism?
- Loose bowel movements
- Recurrent kidney stone
- Night leg cramps
- Excessive energy level
Explanation: Answer reason: Hyperparathyroidism increases PTH leading to hypercalcemia; elevated calcium predisposes to nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). Other options are more consistent with hypocalcemia or different conditions.
Which of the following statements about insulin is incorrect?
- Insulin is an anabolic hormone.
- Insulin deficiency increases fatty acid in the blood.
- Insulin helps in protein formation.
- Insulin increases blood pH.
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is anabolic, promotes protein synthesis, and its deficiency increases lipolysis and ketoacids that lower pH. Therefore the statement that insulin increases blood pH is incorrect.
Which electrolyte imbalance is seen in SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion)?
- Hypernatremia
- Hyponatremia
- Hypokalemia
- Dilutional hyponatremia
Explanation: Answer reason: Excess ADH causes water retention that dilutes serum sodium, producing dilutional hyponatremia with low serum osmolality.
Which hormone is essential for milk production?
- Prolactin
- New
- Adh
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: Prolactin from the anterior pituitary stimulates milk synthesis; oxytocin mediates milk ejection, ADH regulates water balance, and 'New' is not a hormone.
Which hormone is secreted by the testis?
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- TSH
- Insulin
Explanation: Answer reason: Leydig cells in the testes secrete testosterone. Progesterone is mainly from ovaries/placenta, TSH from anterior pituitary, and insulin from the pancreas.
Which gland controls blood pressure?
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary
- Adrenal
- Endocrine
Explanation: Answer reason: The adrenal glands regulate blood pressure via aldosterone (sodium and water retention) and catecholamines (increase cardiac output and vasoconstriction).
Which gland produces insulin?
- Pituitary Gland
- Thyroid Gland
- Pancreas
- None Of These
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin is secreted by beta cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans; the pituitary and thyroid do not produce insulin.
Which hormone controls the disposal of urine from the kidney?
- TSH
- ACTH
- FSH
- ADH
Explanation: Answer reason: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases water reabsorption in the kidney collecting ducts, reducing urine output and thus controlling urine excretion. TSH, ACTH, and FSH are unrelated to renal water handling.
Which hormone accelerates the heart rate?
- Acetylcholine
- Thyroxin
- Pituitrin
- Adrenaline
Explanation: Answer reason: Adrenaline (epinephrine) stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, producing positive chronotropic effects and increasing heart rate; the others do not.
Excess body fat might be seen in the following condition?
- Hyperkinetic states
- Anorexia nervosa
- Hypothyroidism
- Malabsorption diseases
Explanation: Answer reason: Hypothyroidism lowers metabolic rate, leading to weight gain and increased body fat. The other options typically cause weight loss or increased energy expenditure.
Insulin increases?
- Glycogenesis
- Gluconeogenesis
- Lipolysis
- Blood glucose
Explanation: Answer reason: Insulin promotes storage of nutrients: it increases glycogenesis while inhibiting gluconeogenesis and lipolysis, thereby lowering blood glucose.
One type of hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland regulates?
- Blood pressure
- Urine production
- Growth
- Uterine contractions
Explanation: Answer reason: The anterior pituitary secretes growth hormone, which regulates body growth. Blood pressure and urine production are influenced by ADH (posterior pituitary), and uterine contractions are stimulated by oxytocin (posterior pituitary).
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include all of the following except?
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
Explanation: Answer reason: Advanced age, obesity, and physical inactivity are well-established major risk factors for type 2 diabetes; smoking is not typically listed as a primary risk factor in standard summaries, so it is the exception here.
Hormones?
- Act as coenzyme
- Act as enzyme
- Belong to B-complex group
- Influence synthesis of enzymes
Explanation: Answer reason: Hormones are regulatory signaling molecules that modulate gene expression and consequently the synthesis of enzymes; they are not enzymes or coenzymes and are not B-complex vitamins.
Hormone that binds to intracellular receptor is?
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Follicle stimulating hormone
- Glucagon
- Thyroxine
Explanation: Answer reason: Thyroxine (T4) is a lipophilic thyroid hormone that enters cells and binds nuclear (intracellular) receptors. The others are peptide hormones that act via cell-surface receptors and second messengers.
A hormone secreted from anterior pituitary is?
- Growth hormone
- Vasopressin
- Oxytocin
- Epinephrine
Explanation: Answer reason: Growth hormone (GH) is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary. Vasopressin and oxytocin are released from the posterior pituitary, and epinephrine is from the adrenal medulla.
Which of the following is the master gland of the endocrine system?
- Adrenal
- Pancreas
- Pineal
- Pituitary
- Thyroid
Explanation: Answer reason: The pituitary is called the master gland because it secretes trophic hormones that regulate many other endocrine glands.
Untreated diabetes may result in all of the following except?
- Blindness
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney disease
- Tinnitus
Explanation: Answer reason: Diabetes complications include retinopathy (blindness), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and nephropathy (kidney disease). Tinnitus is not a typical direct complication of untreated diabetes.
Diabetes insipidus is caused by deficient secretion of?
- Insulin
- Glucagon
- Vasopressin
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: Diabetes insipidus results from deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, vasopressin), leading to impaired water reabsorption. Insulin and glucagon are pancreatic hormones; oxytocin is unrelated to water balance.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately what percentage of all cases of diabetes in adults?
- 55%-60%
- 35%-40%
- 90-95%
- 25-30%
Explanation: Answer reason: According to epidemiologic data (e.g., ADA), type 2 diabetes makes up the vast majority of adult diabetes cases, about 90–95%.
Decreased secretion of growth hormone during childhood causes?
- Simmond’s disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Dwarfism
- Cretinism
Explanation: Answer reason: Growth hormone deficiency in childhood leads to proportionate short stature known as pituitary dwarfism.
Stress stimulates the ________ to produce hormones that ramp up body activity in the fight-or-flight response?
- Pancreas
- Adrenal glands
- Thyroid
- Pineal gland
Explanation: Answer reason: The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to stress, producing the fight-or-flight response. The pancreas regulates glucose, the thyroid regulates metabolism, and the pineal gland secretes melatonin.
Hormone that binds to intracellular receptor is?
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Thyroxin
- Follicle stimulating hormone
- Glucagon
Explanation: Answer reason: Thyroid hormones are lipophilic and bind intracellular nuclear receptors. ACTH, FSH, and glucagon are peptide hormones that act via cell surface receptors and second messengers.
A hormone secreted from posterior pituitary is?
- Vasopressin
- Thyrotropic hormone
- Prolactin
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Explanation: Answer reason: The posterior pituitary stores and releases vasopressin (ADH) and oxytocin. TSH, prolactin, and ACTH are anterior pituitary hormones.
Peripheral vasoconstriction is caused by high concentrations of?
- Antidiuretic hormone
- Melatonin
- Glucagon
- Oxytocin
Explanation: Answer reason: At high concentrations, vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) activates V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, producing peripheral vasoconstriction.
Overproduction of growth hormone during childhood causes?
- Acromegaly
- Gigantism
- Cushing’s disease
- Simmond’s disease
Explanation: Answer reason: Excess growth hormone before epiphyseal plate closure leads to excessive linear bone growth, producing gigantism; after closure it causes acromegaly.
Which of the following is an accessory organ of the gastrointestinal system that is responsible for secreting insulin?
- Adrenal gland
- Gallbladder
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Spleen
Explanation: Answer reason: The pancreas is an accessory digestive organ whose endocrine beta cells secrete insulin; the adrenal gland, gallbladder, liver, and spleen do not produce insulin.
Hyperglycemia induced by epinephrine is due to?
- Gluconeogenesis (beta2)
- Inhibition of insulin secretion (alfa)
- Stimulation of glycogenolysis (beta2)
- All of the above
Explanation: Answer reason: Epinephrine increases blood glucose by beta2-mediated hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis and by alpha2-mediated inhibition of pancreatic insulin release; thus all listed mechanisms contribute.
Hyperprolactinemia is caused by blockade of dopamine in?
- The chemoreceptor trigger zone of the medulla
- The pituitary
- The extrapiramidal system
- The mesolimbic and mesofrontal systems
Explanation: Answer reason: Dopamine normally inhibits prolactin release from anterior pituitary lactotrophs via D2 receptors; blocking dopamine at the pituitary increases prolactin.
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