Common: Endocrine Flashcards
DM: Describe the impact of illness on a patient with Diabetes Mellitus
Illness, stress, and infection increase the body’s insulin requirement. The patient should increase the frequency of blood glucose testing and urine testing for ketones. Adequate fluid intake should be consumed to prevent dehydration. The patient should take the normal insulin dose and notify the HCP for ketones or continued high blood glucose levels.
DM: Hypoglycemic patients may become lethargic and unarousable. What is the best treatment in this case?
A patient who shows these types of symptoms due to a hypoglycemic event should be given D50 IV. Hypoglycemic patients who are less symptomatic should be given food and drink with sugar and protein.
DM: Diabetes is a common diagnosis across the lifespan. Describe the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 1 DM is irreversible, typically occurs in children and young adults and is associated with little to no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is associated with lifestyle and is reversible.
Endo: Diabetes insipidus is a disease that occurs due to a reduction in anti-diuretic hormone.
What problem does DI pose a risk of to the patient?
Diabetes insipidus causes excessive excretion of dilute urine, resulting in dehydration.
DM: What is the rationale for measuring a patient’s HgbA1c?
HgbA1c is used to measure the average blood sugar over a period of up to 3 months. Diabetic patients should be instructed that a healthy A1c is below 6.5%.
Endo: Which lab value would be high in a patient with hypothyroidism?
The pituitary gland is secreting too much thyroid-stimulating hormone, so the TSH would be high.
Endo: Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is chemically identical to thyroxine (T4).
For which condition is this medication used?
Hypothyroidism
Endo: Cushing’s disease is caused by overactive adrenal glands that excrete excess cortisol.
What are the classic symptoms of Cushing’s disease?
Round “moon” face
Facial redness
Fat deposits on back of neck (buffalo hump)
Alopecia
Endo: Addison’s disease occurs with adrenal insufficiency.
What hormones are not produced normally in this condition?
Aldosterone and Cortisol
DM: Describe which type of insulin is best for initial treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and the rationale
Regular insulin is classified as a short-acting insulin. It can be given intravenously with an onset of action of less than 30 min. This is the insulin that is most appropriate in emergency situations of severe hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
DM: Discuss the importance of foot care in patients with diabetes
Patients with diabetes are at high risk of slow healing injuries especially in lower extremities. They should be reminded to do regular inspections of any cuts or bruises on the feet.
DM: Describe the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia
Manifestations of hypoglycemia include sweating, tachycardia, tremors, palpitations, hunger, and anxiety.
DM: Indicate the components of reversing a DM2 diagnosis
Diet, exercise and weight loss may be sufficient treatment for patients with Type 2 diabetes. For some patients, weight loss & exercise may eliminate the need for medications.
DM: Describe the 3 P’s commonly seen in DM
Polyuria is the medical term for excessive urination, which is one of the classic symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes. Polydipsia refers to excessive thirst. Polyphagia refers to excessive hunger.
