Adrenal Glands - Unit 1 Flashcards
Cortisol - The ___ Hormone.
Stress Hormone!
What are the essential functions of cortisol?
Metabolism, Immunosuppression, Anti-Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Function
Cortisol - regulates blood glucose levels. T/F?
True!
Why is it good to have gluconeogenesis/glycogen synthesis from cortisol during stress?
Because our brain likes sugar, and it’s energy for us.
What does cortisol have to do with the immune response?
Blocks T-Cell Proliferation/inhibits histamine secretion.
What does cortisol do for the heart?
Increases BP because of sodium and water retention, tachycardia, and increased cardiac output.
Cortisol - h with memory processing and story in the hippocampus. T/F?
FALSE.
What are some of the effects of cortisol excess?
Hyperglycemia, reduced immune responses, increased BP/HR, and reduced memory processing/storage.
Lack of sleep, alcohol intake, and caffeine intake decrease cortisol. T/F?
False - they increase it!
Cortisol levels - highest in the morning and lowest at night. T/F?
True!
What might cause long term increased cortisol?
Problems with the hypothalamus, Cushing’s Disease/Cushing’s Syndrome, or drug related (like steroids)
What is Cushing’s?
Elevated glucose, immune/inflammatory supression, weakness and lethargy and problems with the heart.
Cortisol inhibits insulin effectiveness. T/F?
True!
Cushing’s - what are some assessment findings?
Increased weight, no energy, strength (low), “Moon Face,” Striae
Cushing’s = HTN in about %__-%___ of cases and Osteoporosis in about %__-%___ of the cases.
75-85/50-60
What do we need to do for Cushing’s?
Promote cardiovascular health, blood glucose control, reduce infection risk, promote wound healing, skin case and psychosocial considerations.
What do we treat cushing’s?
Remove the cause (gland, drug, etc.)
What will the patient need if the pituitary or adrenal glands are removed?
Cortisol replacement for LIFE!
What happens with low cortisol?
Low BP, low sugar levels, and increased inflammation.
What are some potential causes of low cortisol?
Autoimmune, cancer, infection, trauma, insufficient ACTH or suddenly stopping steroid therapy
Long-term low cortisol = ___ disease.
Addison’s.
What is the primary function of Aldosterone?
Fluid balance (sodium reabsorption/potassium excretion)
Aldosterone - decreases/increases potassium?
Sodium level decreases/increases?
Blood pressure increases/decreases?
Blood volume increases/decreases?
Potassium goes down, sodium goes up, BP goes up and blood volume goes up.
With Aldosterone excess, vitals go up. T/F?
True!
How do we treat aldosterone excess?
Identify and eliminate cause, might give meds like florinef or spironolactone/eplerenone, and BP meds.
