Endocrine Emergencies

Question 1

Define:

Hypothalamus

Answer 1

Link between the nervous system and endocrine system.

Question 2

What is the purpose of Antidiuretic Hormone?

ADH

Answer 2

Stimulates renal tubules to reabsorb sodium and retain water.

Question 3

List the major components of the endocrine system.

Answer 3

• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary Gland
• Pineal Gland
• Thyroid
• Parathyroid
• Adrenal
• Pancreas
• Gonads

Question 4

What is the function of the Pineal gland?

Answer 4

Secretes melatonin to influence sleep/wake patterns.

Question 5

What is the function of the Pituitary gland?

Answer 5

Secretes hormones and regulates the activity of other endocrine glands.

Otherwise known as the ‘master gland’.

Question 6

What hormones does the Pituitary gland secrete?

Answer 6

• Growth hormone
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Melatonin
• ADH
• Oxytocin

Question 7

What is the function of the Thyroid gland?

Answer 7

• Regulates metabolism.
• Stimulates energy production.
• Controls oxygen consumption rate within cells.

Secretes thyroxin and calcitonin.

Question 8

What is the function of calcitonin?

Answer 8

Decreases calcium levels in the body.

Additionally, calcitonin increases the excretion of calcium in the urine by the kidneys.

Question 9

What is the function of the Thymus gland?

Answer 9

Assists immune system to identify and destroy foreign invaders.

Question 10

What is the function of the Parathyroid gland?

Answer 10

Secretes parathyroid hormone to raise calcium levels in the blood.

Question 11

What is the function of the Adrenal glands?

Answer 11

Regulate how much sodium is excreted through the urine.

Question 12

What is the function of the Adrenal Cortex?

Answer 12

• Produces corticoids and sex hormones.
• Regulates body’s salt/water balance, immune system, and sexual function.

Question 13

What is the function of the adrenal medulla?

Answer 13

Reacts to stress.

Question 14

What is the function of aldosterone?

Answer 14

Stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium.

Question 15

What is the function of the Pancreas?

Answer 15

Secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum.

Question 16

What is the function of the Islet of Langerhans?

Answer 16

Secrete glucagon.

Question 17

Study the chart.

Pituitary hormones and their effect.

You need to know which hormones are secreted by the pituitary gland.

Answer 17

Question 18

Define:

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 18

The body is unable to metabolize glucose.

Question 19

Define:

Type 1 Diabetes

Answer 19

Insulin dependent and does not produce insulin.

Question 20

Define:

Type 2 Diabetes

Answer 20

The body is insulin resistant.

Question 21

What is the normal range of hypoglycemia in adults?

Answer 21

< 45 mg/dL

Question 22

What is considered hyperglycemia in BGL?

Answer 22

> 160 mg/dL

Question 23

Define:

Pancreatitis

Answer 23

Inflammation of the pancreas.

2 main causes:

• Alcohol abuse
• obstruction

Question 24

Define:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

DKA

Answer 24

The body is unable to use glucose as an energy source. Therefore, the body begins to break down fat, creating ketones, and acid within the body.

> 300 mg/dL

Question 25

Assessment

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Answer 25

• Polyuria
• Polydipsia
• Polyphagia
• Nausea/vomiting
• Kussmaul respirations
• Fruity breath (ketones)

Question 26

Treatment:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Answer 26

• Fluid: 1L/hr
• Monitor potassium

Question 27

Define:

Addison Disease

Answer 27

Adrenal insufficiency from atrophy of the adrenal glands.

Question 28

Assessment:

Addison’s Disease

Answer 28

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Salt craves
• Increased pigmentation of the skin.

Question 29

Treatment:

Addison’s Disease

Answer 29

• IV Fluids
• Steroids (hydrocortisone)

Question 30

Define:

Hyperthyroidism

Grave’s Disease

Answer 30

Increased metabolic rate from enlarged thyroid.

Question 31

Assessment:

Hyperthyroidism

Answer 31

• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Protruding Eyeballs
• “Orange Peel” skin appearance

Question 32

Define:

Hypothyroidism

Myxedema Coma

Answer 32

Decreased metabolic rate of the thyroid gland.

Question 33

Assessment:

Hypothyroidism

Answer 33

• Weight gain
• Altered mental status
• Fatigue
• Feeling cold

Question 34

Define:

Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma

HONK

Answer 34

Hyperglycemia without ketones.

Question 35

Assessment:

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma

HHNC

Answer 35

• BGL is typically very large >450
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Delirium
• Coma
• Seizures
• Visual disturbances

Question 36

Define:

Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 36

Excess cortisol production by the adrenal glands.

Question 37

Assessment:

Cushing’s Syndrome

Answer 37

• Weight gain in face, neck, and upper back.
• “Buffalo Hump”
• Thirst
• Increased urination