When performing an endocrine assessment, a client shares with the nurse that she has experienced a significant weight gain over the last 4 months "without even eating any differently."

Question

The nurse recognizes that unexplainable weight gains can indicate secretion dysfunction of which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Adrenals
2. Thyroid
3. Pituitary
4. Parathyroids
5. Gonads

Answer 1

1. Adrenals
2. Thyroid
3. Pituitary

Rationale: Adrenals. In adrenal disease, the client's weight changes might provide information as to the endocrine disorder the client is experiencing. The client might gain weight with increased fat deposits in the abdomen with an adrenal disorder such as Cushing's disease. Thyroid. In thyroid disease, the client's weight changes might provide information as to the endocrine disorder the client is experiencing. The client might experience general weight gain with a thyroid disease such as hypothyroidism. Pituitary. In adrenal disease, the client's weight changes might provide information as to the endocrine disorder the client is experiencing. The pituitary gland controls ADH, which influences the renal tubules to absorb water, which can result in fluid retention leading to weight gain. Parathyroids. The parathyroid gland regulates calcium and phosphorous. Gonads. The gonads influence estrogen and androgens.