Endocrine Meds Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Endocrine System?
- Maintain homeostasis
- Communicate body’s responses to external environment
- Regulates growth, reproduction, energy use & electrolyte balance
What body functions does the hypothalamus regulate?
thirst, hunger, water, BP, respiration, emotions
What hormones are produced/secreted by hypothalamus?
- GHRH
- TRH
- CRH
- PRH
- Somatostain (GH inhibiting factor)
What is the thyroid mechanism of action?
- Regulate activity of genes to change the amount of protein synthesis and enzyme activity
- Stimulate mitochondrial oxidation
What does iodine deficiency cause?
Hypothyroidism
If a patient had a goiter, what would be your major concerns?
- Is there airway compromised?
- Can the swallow?
- Are the nodules cancerous?
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
too much T3 & T4
What autoimmune disorder causes hyperthyroidism?
Grave’s Disease
What are the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism?
- Inc metabolism (which leads to weight loss)
- Tachycardia
- Increased body temperature (leads to heat intolerance)
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Shaky hands
- Exophthalmos (protruding eyes)
What is a late sign of hyperthyroidism?
Exophthalmos
Propylthiouracil and Methimazole are in what drug class?
Thionamides
What is the mechanism of action for thionamides (propylthioruacil & methimazole)?
- Block production of thyroid hormone (TH)
2. Block conversion of T4 to T3
What are the therapeutic uses for Propylthioruacil & Methimazole?
- Treats Grave’s Disease
- Attain a euthyroid state
- Treats Thyroid storm
How long does it take to reach euthyroid state when taking thionamides (propylthioruacil/methimazole)?
May take up to 3-12 weeks
What are some adverse effects of propylthioruacil/methimazole?
- Agranulocytosis
- Overmedication may cause hypothyroidism
- Liver damage (more common with PTU)
- Causes change in taste, N/V, rash, arthalgias
Nursing Interventions for Propylthioruacil/Methimazole
- Monitor weight/VS/I&Os
- Watch for S/S of hypothyroidism
- Monitor AST & ALT, jaundice, dark urine
- Monitor CBC for agranulocytosis/fever/sore throat
Patient Education for Propylthioruacil/Methimazole
- Take at same time each day
2. Do not stop medication abruptly
Why would a HCP prescribe Propanolol in conjunction with thianomides?
To decrease tremors and tachycardia
Why is Methimazole preferred over propylthiouracil?
- Revereses hyperthyroidism quickly
- Fewer side effects
- Given with radioactive iodine treatment
- Can be taken once a day
How often must propylthiouracil be taken?
2-3 days
What effect does thionamides have on anticoagulants?
Increases the effect of anticoagulants
What effect does thionamides have on antidiabtics?
Decreases the effect of antidiabetics
Explain the interaction between antithyroid drugs and digoxin/lithium?
Digoxin/Lithium increases action of thyroid medications
What effect does phenytoin have on T3 levels?
Phenytoin increases T3 levels, so must monitor closely
What patient teaching should the nurse provide if administer propranolol with thionamides?
Advise against strenuous activities/exercise to prevent HR increase until hyperthyroidism is regulated
How can Grave’s Disease be treated? What is the most common treatment?
- Surgical removal
- Radioactive treatment
Radioactive treatment most common.
What is the mechanism of action of radioactive iodine?
Destroys thyroid producing gland
What are the adverse effects of radioactive iodine?
- Radiation sickness
- Bone Marrow Suppression
- Hypothyroidism (may need long term Synthroid/levothyroxine
- Pregnancy Cat X
Nursing Interventions for Radioactive Iodine
- Monitor CBC
- Monitor for signs of hypothyroidism
- Do not administer with other antithyroid meds
- Dispose of body waste per protocol
- Limit client contact
Patient Education for Radioactive Iodine Treatment
- Increase fluid intake
- Stop treatment if there’s severe N/V
- Increase fluid intake
Clinical Manifestations of Thyroid Storm
- Extremely High Fever (T>105)
- Severe Tachycardia
- Agitiation
- Tremors
- Coma
- Hypotension
- HF
What causes severe thyrotoxicosis (Thyroid Storm)?
- Surgery
2. Development of concurrent illness