Adrenal Disorders Flashcards
What is Cushing Syndrome?
excessive amounts of cortisol (hypercortisolism)
What is the primary hyperfunction of Cushings?
a disease of the adrenal cortex (syndrome)
What is the secondary hyperfunction of Cushings?
a disease of the anterior pituitary
What can also cause Cushing syndrome besides disease?
Exogenous steroids taken for other diseases
Increased glucose availability in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestation?
glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia
Vascular effects of cortisol in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestations?
Hypertension, and capillary friability in the form of ecchymoses (bruises)
Protein breakdown by cortisol in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestations?
muscle wasting and weakness, osteoporosis, and thin skin
Fat breakdown by cortisol in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestations?
fat redistributes to the abdomen, shoulders, and face
decreased inflammation and immune response in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestation?
infection and impaired wound healing
CNS excitability in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestation?
mood swings and insomnia
What is Addison’s Disease?
Hyposecretion of all three steroids including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens caused by a destroyed adrenal gland
When the adrenal gland is destroyed, it causes hypersecretion of what hormones?
ACTH and MSH
What is MSH?
melanocyte-stimulating hormones
What are early signs that someone has Addison’s Disease?
anorexia, weight loss, weakness, malaise, apathy, electrolyte imbalances, and skin hyperpigmentation
What does Hypoaldosteronism cause?
sodium and water retention problems, hypotension, and salt cravings
What does hypocortisolism cause?
No energy, hypoglycemia, weakness, and fatigue
What is an Addisonian/Adrenal crisis?
a MEDICAL EMERGENCY characterized by a sudden insufficiency of serum corticosteroids. Results in a life-threatening situation that results in low blood pressure, low blood levels of sugar and high blood levels of potassium.
What glucocorticoids would you give an individual with Addison’s Disease?
hydrocortisone or prednisone
What mineralocorticoids would you give an individual with Addison’s Disease?
Fludrocortisone/Florineff
What education must be given about steroids?
same time every day that mimics a natural release, increase amount during stress, maintain emergency supply, med alert bracelet, and never abruptly stop
What is Pheochromocytoma?
An adrenal medulla disorder characterized by a rare tumor that causes an excessive catecholamine release seen in those that are you and middle aged
What is the 1st line treatment for Pheochromocytoma?
Surgery to remove the tumor
What is the 2nd line treatment for Pheochromocytoma?
Phenoxybenzamine HCl if unable to operate on tumor
What manifestations will present with Pheochromocytoma when epi and norepi are released?
HYPERTENSION, headache, diaphoresis, tachycardia, alpha receptor activation on blood vessels
