adrenal (glucocorticoids and anterior pituitary)

Question 1

prednisone

Answer 1

mimics the effect of natural steroid hormone
treatment of non endocrine disorders, cancer
dec inflammation in RA, MS, asthma attacks and allergic reactions
addisons disease and adrenal crisis
hyperglycemia retention of NA and loss of K+
adrenal suppression, GI discomfort
infection, osteoporosis, cushing syndrome, emotional lability - rapid often exaggerated changes in mood
monitor weight, BP, BG, NA, K+
give food w stomach
teach s/s of GI bleed and tell pt to HCP if occurs
teach pt of the importance of not abruptly stopping dose (taper)
notify HCP of adrenal insufficiency
may not sleep well on medication
inflammation is dec, tx of underlying effective
minimal side effects

Question 2

somatropin

Answer 2

replacing growth hormone that are normally produced in the body
growth hormone inc body weight
improved absorption of nutrients and fluids from the intestines
skin thickening at injection site redness swelling
headache, muscle or joint pain, ear pain, flatulence, hair loss
assess orientation affect and reflexes, BP, pulse, orthostatic hypotension, abdominal exam
inc the risk of developing certain cancers (skin and brain)
call HCP if changes in vision, headaches, changes in moles, birthmarks, or skin color