adrenal glands

Question 1

adrenal medulla

Answer 1

part of autonomic nervous system “fight or flight”
catecholamines: increase metabolism and glucose
epi & nor-epi

Question 2

pheochromocytoma

Answer 2

deadly benign tumor of the adrenal medulla

Question 3

pheochromocytoma manifestations

Answer 3

hypertension
headache
hyperhydrosis
hypermetabolism
hyperglycemia

Question 4

testing for pheochromocytoma

Answer 4

24 hour urine for catecholamines
plasma catecholamine
clonidine suppression test (neg=pheo)
MRI/CT

Question 5

treatment for pheochromocytoma

Answer 5

alpha blocker “-azosin”
beta blocker
calcium channel blocker
high sodium diet

Question 6

pheochromocytoma nursing considerations

Answer 6

continuous telemetry
watch EKG, vitals, glucose
possible steroids needed

Question 7

adrenal cortex

Answer 7

glucocorticoids (cortisol): ^ glucose & metabolism
mineralocorticoids (aldosterone): sodium reabsorption
androgens

Question 8

addison disease

Answer 8

adrenocortical insufficiency- genetic condition

Question 9

testing for addison disease

Answer 9

decreased cortisol, increased ATCH
ACTH stimulation test

Question 10

addisonian crisis

Answer 10

dehydration
profound fatigue
renal shutdown
pigmentation issue

Question 11

treatment for addisonian crisis

Answer 11

steroids
IV hydrocortisone

Question 12

cushing’s syndrome

Answer 12

excessive adrenocortical activity

Question 13

cushing’s syndrome manifestations

Answer 13

buffalo hump
hurtuism
decreased libido
more masculine

Question 14

testing for cushing’s syndrome

Answer 14

24 hour cortisol urine: if 3x higher= cushings
not normal cortisol fluctuation
dexamethasone suppression: if >5= cushings
decreased ACTH, increased cortisol

Question 15

treatment for cushing’s syndrome

Answer 15

take away the steroids!!
adrenal enzyme inhibitors metyrapone