Endocrine Flashcards
Explain the actions of cortisol, aldosterone, thyroid and ADH
CORTISOL: glucocorticoid; breakdown of protein and fat to be converted to glucose in the liver
ALDOSTERONE: control balance of water and sodium in kidney by keeping sodium in and releasing potassium from the body
THYROID: regulation of weight, energy levels, internal temp, skin, hair, nail growth, and metabolism
ADH: causes kidneys to release less water, decreasing urine production; high levels causes less urine production, low levels indicates greater urine production
What is glucocorticoid? What hormone is involved?
Corticosteroid
CORTISOL: treats inflammatory disorders
— INHIBITS inflammatory response/immune response
— increases bone resorption (breakdown of bone)
— promotes production of glycogen in liver; increases BG
What is a mineralocorticoid? What hormone is involved?
Corticosteroid
ALDOSTERONE
— reabsorption of sodium and EXCRETION of potassium
— regulates blood volume
What is a corticosteroid?
— used to treat inflammatory diseases
EX: COPD, asthma, ARDS, rhinitis, poison ivy, osteoarthritis
— used to treat adrenal disorders: Addison’s disease
* inhaled, nasal, and topical routes usually have LOCAL AE
* ORAL AND IV HAVE SYSTEMIC EFFECTS
Explain the difference with local and systemic affects:
LOCAL: response to chemical exposure at the site of contact:
— eye irritation
— skin burns/blistering/rash
— respiratory distress
— pulm edema
SYSTEMIC: occurs at a location distant from the point of contact:
— liver
— CNS
— heart
— kidneys
What is hydrocortisone?
What is prednisone?
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
What are the CM?
A condition that occurs from exposure to high cortisol levels for a long period of time
— weight gain (abdomen, face, neck)
— osteoporosis
— HTN
— muscle atrophy
— poor wound healing/bruise easily
— hyperglycemia
— skinny legs
What do you assess in your patient taking corticosteroids?
What are some labs to monitor?
Monitor cardiac, resp, neuro, and symptoms of infection
*monitor VS closely for HTN + fever
Labs: CBC, creatinine/BUN, electrolytes, BG
What are some examples of nursing diagnosis regarding corticosteroids?
— excess fluid volume r/t water + sodium retention
— risk for infection r/t immunosuppression
What are expected outcomes with patients taking corticosteroids?
— therapeutic effect with limited AE
— understanding of drug therapy; safety
Nursing interventions with corticosteroids:
— take with food
— taper dose when discontinuing long term use or from high doses
— do not give live vaccines when immunosuppressed (risk for infection)
— avoid unnecessary exposure to infection
What is something to keep in mind when giving corticosteroids to older adults?
— more likely to experience AE
— more likely to have hepatic/renal impairment
— fluid/electrolyte imbalance
— metabolic change
— immune suppression
Hypothyroidism: this disease is insufficient with what hormone?
What are CM?
Replace T3 & T4
*those with HYPOthyroidism have elevated TSH but decreased T3 & T4
⬆️TSH ⬇️T3 + T4
CM:
— weight gain
— fatigue
— sensitivity to cold
— dry skin
— high cholesterol
— irritability
*Hoshimoto’s disease
Hyperthyroidism: which hormone is insufficient?
What are CM?
⬇️TSH ⬆️T3 + T4
*control symptoms (beta-blockers)
CM:
— weight loss
— excessive sweating
— fatigue
— excessive hunger
— heat intolerance
— puffy eyes
— mood swings
— hair loss
— insomnia
What is Levothyroxine?
What is vasopressin?
