Endocrine Flashcards
Primary goal of the endocrine system
Maintain homeostasis
Hormone release
— response to altered cellular environment
— maintain level of another hormone or substance
Positive and negative feedback loops
What are endocrine disorders caused by
HYPER or HYPO secretion of any hormone produced or secreted by gland
Hypo = replace the hormone synthetically
Nursing goals
Control symptoms experienced by hypo or hyper situation
Examples of positive feedback loops
— birth
— clotting cascade
The body tries to create hormones = keeps adding until desired outcome (clots when getting a cut)
Negative feedback loop
Changing response to stimulus decreases synthesis and secretion of a hormone
— thermostat = temperature control
— once appropriate level is reached -> stops creating desired hormone since homeostasis is reached
— levels are sensed = added or decreased based on circulating blood levels
Thyroid = body senses low T3 + T4 -> TRH stimulates TSH to stimulate more T3 + T4
— once desired levels are reached -> stops making hormones
Posterior pituitary disorders
DI
SIADH
Anterior pituitary disorders
Gigantism
Dwarfism
Acromegaly
Adrenal disorders
Cushings and addisons disease
Endocrine lab values
CBC
BNP
Clotting cascade
— PT:
— INR:
Electrolytes:
— sodium: 135-145
— potassium: 3.5-5.2
— calcium: 8.4-10.5
— magnesium: 1.5-2.5
What are the anterior lobe hormones?
— Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
— follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
— growth hormone (GH)
— luteinizing hormone (LH)
— prolactin
— thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Posterior lobe hormones
— antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
— oxytocin
What are the two types of pituitary tumors?
Secretory = secrete TOO much hormone
— ex: hyperthyroidism
— disrupts negative feedback loop
— creates too much T3 + T4
— over-secretion = too much hormone in the blood
Non-secretory = causes pressure
— extra pressure can cause gland to become squished
— anything in the body does not enjoy extra pressure
— only so much room
Posterior pituitary tumors
ADH deficiency excess
Anti-diuretic hormone = body holds onto extra flood
Anterior pituitary tumors
Hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism
Hypopituitarism
Deficiency of one or more anterior pituitary hormones results in metabolism problems and sexual dysfunction
— growth hormones stimulate liver
— sex hormones
Hyperpituitarism
— hormone over-secretion
— neurological symptoms may occur
— compression of brain tissue -> increased ICP
— galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility
Diabetes insipidus
↓ ADH
EXCESSIVE urination + thirst -> always thirsty
HYPERnatremia
— dehydration
— any fluid into the body -> peed out
SIADH
↑ ADH
Water is retained
HYPOnatremia
— CONFUSION; NEURO IMPAIRMENT
— fix sodium SLOWLY
Sodium Is Always Down!
Nursing interventions for DI and SIADH
— close monitor of I&O
— daily weight
— blood chemistries
— electrolytes
— monitor neurological status
Gigantism
TOO MUCH growth hormone
— rare
— height and girth are affected
— grow very large
— cause = pituitary gland tumor
— remove tumor will fix excessive growth
Manifestations of gigantism
— headache
— vision problems
— nausea
— excessive sweating
— weakness
— insomnia
— delayed puberty
— irregular menstrual period
Tumor = putting pressure on pituitary gland
Dwarfism
Too little growth hormone
— supplemental growth hormone can be given = handled well
Acromegaly
Pituitary adenmoa
— hyper secretions happen AFTER puberty
— gradual changes
Manifestations of acromegaly
— enlarged tongue, lips, nose, hands, feet, and facial bone growth
— skeletal changes are PERMANENT
— organ enlargement
Dx and medical tx of pituitary tumors
— visual acuity and visual field tests = visual acuity can be affected
— CT and MRI
— lab -> pituitary hormones
— also look at thyroid gland labs
— measurement and target organ hormones
Tx:
— surgery
— remove/destroy tumor
— replacement hormones are required after destruction
Medications:
— bromociptine
— octreotide
What is a total hypophysectomy? What are the complications?
Scope through the nose
— poke through back of the nasal cavity into the brain
— transphynoidal approach
Swelling = diabetes insipidus
Risk for CSF leakage
— LOOK FOR CLEAR FLUID FROM NOSE
Visual disturbances
Post-op meningitis
Pneumocephalus = air in intracranial cavity
SIADH