Endocrine Flashcards
what hormones does the anterior pituitary gland secrete?
ACTH, TSH
what hormones does the posterior pituitary gland secrete?
ADH, oxytocin
what are the two components of the adrenal glands?
inner medulla and outer cortex
what does the inner medulla of the adrenal gland secrete?
epinephrine and norepinephrine
what does the outer adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland secrete?
glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), androgens [sugar, salt, sex]
what is cushings?
a collection of s/s associated with HYPERcortisolism
what are the potential causes of cushings?
primary hyperfunction = a disease involving the adrenal cortex (syndrome)
secondary hyperfunction = a disease involving the anterior pituitary gland (disease)
exogenous steroids = most common (syndrome)
if the normal function of cortisol is to increase glucose availability, what is the clinical manifestation in cushings?
glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia
if the normal function of cortisol is to maintain the vascular system, what is the clinical manifestation in cushings?
hypertension, capillary friability (causing bruising)
if the normal function of cortisol is to breakdown protein, what is the clinical manifestation in cushings?
muscle wasting
muscle weakness
thinning of skin
osteoporosis
bone pain
if the normal function of cortisol is to breakdown fat, what is the clinical manifestation in cushings?
redistribution of fat to the face, shoulder, and abdomen
if the normal function of cortisol is to suppress the immune and inflammatory responses, what is the clinical manifestation in cushings?
impaired wound healing
impaired immune response
risk for infection
if the normal function of cortisol is to excite the CNS, what is the clinical manifestation in cushings?
insomnia, mood swings
what is Addison’s disease?
disease of the adrenal cortex that causes hyposecretion of all adrenocorticoid hormones
what is the cause of Addison’s disease?
can be idiopathic, autoimmune, or something else - not real sure
how much of the adrenal cortex needs to be non-functional before symptoms show up related to Addison’s disease?
90%
what hormones are in excess with Addison’s disease?
ACTH and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)
what are the early symptoms of Addison’s disease?
anorexia
weight loss
weakness
malaise
apathy
electrolyte imbalance
skin hyperpigmentation
what are the effects associated with hypoaldosteronism with Addison’s ?
hypotension (not able to retain salt and water)
decreased vascular tone
decreased cardiac output
decreased circulating blood volume
salt craving (low serum Na+)
increased K+
dehydration
what are the effects associated with hypocortisolism with Addison’s?
hypoglycemia
weakness and fatigue
unsuppressed ACTH
hyperpigmentation
what are the short term side effects of steroids?
increased intraocular pressure
fluid retention
weight gain
hungry
mood swings
increased BP
what are the long term side effects of steroids?
cataracts
increased blood sugar (can develop or worsen DM)
increased risk of infection
osteoporosis
decreased adrenal gland function
fatigue, anorexia, nausea, weakness
thin skin
bruising
slow wound healing
what is the drug of choice for Addison’s?
hydrocortisone
what are the nursing implications of a patient with Addison’s taking life long steroids?
taking the doses at the right time to mimic natural release
never to abruptly stop these
dosing will need to be increased (3x3) during stress
always have an emergency supply
wear a medical alert bracelet