Endocrine Emergencies Flashcards
What are the 2 conditions which cause the adrenal glands to stop functioning?
- Addison’s (rare)
- Cushing’s (common)
Which is more common: hyperthyroidism (Grave’s disease) or hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease)?
Hashimoto’s disease is more common, particularly in women.
A patient tells you they’ve been gaining weight, have felt more tired, have been getting muscle aches and cramps, and are more sensitive to the cold. What hormonal condition might they be experiencing?
Hypothyroidism. All of these are symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
What is a thyroid storm? How can its symptoms present in a patient?
Unchecked hyperthyroidism which is life-threatening. It can present as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diarrhea/nausea, jaundice, DLOC.
Give at least 2 examples of mechanisms that could cause hypoglycemia BESIDES diabetes.
Any of:
- Alcohol use
- Medication misuse
- Severe infections
- Neurological emergencies
The _________ are groups of cells within the pancreas. Within these, there are alpha cells, which produce _______, and beta cells which produce ______. Fill in the blanks
Islets of Langerhans. Glucagon. Insulin.
When there isn’t enough glucose in the bloodstream, what molecule does the brain consume as fuel?
Ketones.
Why might a diabetic patient appear very dehydrated?
Their body is filtering out as much sugar from the bloodstream as it can, causing frequent urination. If not replenished this fluid loss can lead to hypovolemia.
Name at least 1 example of common medications used to treat diabetes besides insulin.
Either of:
- Metformin
- Glyburide
+ Any more you know of that I don’t!
What specific respiratory finding might be present in someone who is experiencing hyperglycemia? What pH change in the body is this indicative of?
Kussmaul’s respirations are often present when a patient is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis.
