Endocrine Flashcards
What 3 hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
T3, T4, and Calcitonin
What does calcitonin do?
Decreases serum calcium by taking calcium out of the blood and pushing it back into the bones.
T4 is increased and TSH decreased in what disorder?
Hyperthyroidism
What disorder causes an enlarged thyroid?
Hyperthyroidism, goiter
Which cardiac drug contains high levels of iodine and may affect thyroid function?
Amiodarone
Treatment for hyperthyroid?
methimazole (Tapazole), propylthiouracil (PTU) which stops the thyroid from making thyroid hormone. Used preoperatively to stun thyroid. Beta blockers, iodine compounds and radioactive iodine therapy.
What iodine compounds are given for hyperthyroid and why?
potassium iodine (SSKI and Lugol’s) to decrease size and vascularity of thyroid. Give in milk or juice and use a straw because it stains teeth!
What BP meds are used as supportive therapy for hyperthyroidism?
Beta blockers. These block epinephrine and norepinephrine (fight or flight) and decreases HR/BP/anxiety
Who should NOT receive beta blockers?
Asthmatics and diabetics. Beta blockers can hide symptoms of hypoglycemia.
What are important assessments after a thyroidectomy?
Bleeding! Report feelings of pressure, check behind neck for pooled blood.
Assess for laryngeal nerve damage by listening for hoarse/weak voice. This can lead to vocal cord paralysis and obstruction requiring trach.
Assess for parathyroid removal (hypocalcemia)
What causes increased TSH and decreased T4?
Hypothyroidism
What disease are people with hypothyroid at increased risk of developing?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
What is tetany?
A medical sign consisting of involuntary contraction of muscles.
What two electrolyte disorders result from hyperparathyroidism?
hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia
Signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?
sedation/fatigue
What two electrolyte disorders result from hypoparathyroidism?
hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia
What is pheochromocytoma?
Benign tumors of the adrenal medulla that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine in boluses causing episodes of increased BP/HR/palpitations/flushing/sweating/headache. Tends to run in families.
What tests diagnose pheochromocytoma?
Vanillylmandelic acid test (VMA) and metanephrine (MN) test. These tests are altered by anything with vanilla in it, vitamin B, fruit juice, bananas and caffeine.
Avoid stress prior to test!
How to take a 24 hour urine?
Throw away the first void and keep the last!
Avoid doing what assessment on patients suspected of pheochromocytoma?
Avoid palpating the abdomen as this can cause a sudden release of catecholamines (epi/norepi) and severe HTN.
What are glucocorticoids?
A steroid produced by the adrenal cortex that affects mood, can alter defense mechanisms (immunosuppression), helps to break down fats and proteins (which both regulate glucose metabolism), inhibits insulin.
What is Aldosterone?
A mineralocorticoid (steroid) produced by the adrenal cortex that causes you to retain sodium and water and lose potassium.
What are adrenocorticotropin hormones? ACTH
Hormones made in the pituitary that stimulate the adrenal cortex to make cortisol. If ACTH increases, cortisol increases.
What are the 4 biggest concerns with adrenal cortex problems?
1) Not enough steroids
2) shock
3) hyperkalemia
4) hypoglycemia
What is Addison’s disease?
Adrenocortical insufficiency. Not enough steroids!
What are signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease?
Extreme fatigue, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, anorexia/weight loss, hypotension, confusion, decreased sodium, increased potassium, hypoglycemia, hyper-pigmentation (bronzing) of skin and mucous membranes vitiligo
What are treatments for Addison’s disease?
Combat shock caused by loss of sodium and water, increase sodium in the diet, I/O and daily weight, treat fluid volume deficit, monitor BP, give corticosteroids
*think: ADD steroids! Add fluids!
What is Addisonian crisis?
Severe hypotension and vascular collapse caused by infection/emotional stress/physical exertion/sudden stopping of steroids. Can cause hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia. LIFE THREATENING!
What is Cushing’s disease?
Too many steroids!
Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s?
Thin extremities, truncal obesity, buffalo hump, hyperglycemia, increased risk of infection, moon face, oily skin/acne, women with male traits, high BP, CHF, weight gain, fluid volume excess, low potassium