Adrenal Disorders

Question 1

What is Cushing Syndrome?

Answer 1

excessive amounts of cortisol (hypercortisolism)

Question 2

What is the primary hyperfunction of Cushings?

Answer 2

a disease of the adrenal cortex (syndrome)

Question 3

What is the secondary hyperfunction of Cushings?

Answer 3

a disease of the anterior pituitary

Question 4

What can also cause Cushing syndrome besides disease?

Answer 4

Exogenous steroids taken for other diseases

Question 5

Increased glucose availability in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestation?

Answer 5

glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia

Question 6

Vascular effects of cortisol in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestations?

Answer 6

Hypertension, and capillary friability in the form of ecchymoses (bruises)

Question 7

Protein breakdown by cortisol in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestations?

Answer 7

muscle wasting and weakness, osteoporosis, and thin skin

Question 8

Fat breakdown by cortisol in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestations?

Answer 8

fat redistributes to the abdomen, shoulders, and face

Question 9

decreased inflammation and immune response in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestation?

Answer 9

infection and impaired wound healing

Question 10

CNS excitability in Cushings Syndrome causes what clinical manifestation?

Answer 10

mood swings and insomnia

Question 11

What is Addison’s Disease?

Answer 11

Hyposecretion of all three steroids including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens caused by a destroyed adrenal gland

Question 12

When the adrenal gland is destroyed, it causes hypersecretion of what hormones?

Answer 12

ACTH and MSH

Question 13

What is MSH?

Answer 13

melanocyte-stimulating hormones

Question 14

What are early signs that someone has Addison’s Disease?

Answer 14

anorexia, weight loss, weakness, malaise, apathy, electrolyte imbalances, and skin hyperpigmentation

Question 15

What does Hypoaldosteronism cause?

Answer 15

sodium and water retention problems, hypotension, and salt cravings

Question 16

What does hypocortisolism cause?

Answer 16

No energy, hypoglycemia, weakness, and fatigue

Question 17

What is an Addisonian/Adrenal crisis?

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

What glucocorticoids would you give an individual with Addison’s Disease?

Answer 18

hydrocortisone or prednisone

Question 19

What mineralocorticoids would you give an individual with Addison’s Disease?

Answer 19

Fludrocortisone/Florineff

Question 20

What education must be given about steroids?

Answer 20

same time every day that mimics a natural release, increase amount during stress, maintain emergency supply, med alert bracelet, and never abruptly stop

Question 21

What is Pheochromocytoma?

Answer 21

An adrenal medulla disorder characterized by a rare tumor that causes an excessive catecholamine release seen in those that are you and middle aged

Question 22

What is the 1st line treatment for Pheochromocytoma?

Answer 22

Surgery to remove the tumor

Question 23

What is the 2nd line treatment for Pheochromocytoma?

Answer 23

Phenoxybenzamine HCl if unable to operate on tumor

Question 24

What manifestations will present with Pheochromocytoma when epi and norepi are released?

Answer 24

HYPERTENSION, headache, diaphoresis, tachycardia, alpha receptor activation on blood vessels