Endocrine part 2 Flashcards
where does Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease orginate
adrenal cortex
where does hypo/hyperthyroidism originate
thyroid
where does hyperparathyroidsm and hypoparathyroidsm originate
parathyroid
what does the adrenal cortex secrete
glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone).
what does the medulla secrete
catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
what does the cortisol do in the adrenal cortex
actions include fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, suppression of the immune response, and control of the body’s stress response.
what does aldosterone do in the adrenal cortex
promotes sodium and water reabsorption by the kidney and potassium excretion.
what does Epinephrine and norepinephrine do in the adrenal medulla
mimics actions of the sympathetic nervous system.
What does the SNS do?
Fight or Flight response – prepares body for danger, muscles tighten, pupils dilate, heart rate increases, sweating increases, etc.
what is the cause of adrenal insufficiency
may result from destruction of the adrenal glands stemming from autoimmune issues, decreased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland, decreased secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, or decreased secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. Other causes include infections, cancers, and traumatic processes that lead to direct insults to the adrenal cortex.
Females are most often affected by adrenal insufficiency, and it has a peaked incidence in people between what age
30-50 years old
what does the body do When circulating levels of cortisol and aldosterone fall
the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland increase secretion of corticotropic hormone and ACTH. Because melanocyte-stimulating hormone and ACTH share an ancestor hormone there is increase in secretion of melanocyte stimulating hormone, leading to darkened skin tone.
The decreased secretion of cortisol and aldosterone lead to ……
to weakness, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal issues, changes in mood, irritability, inability to concentrate, and decreased pubic and axillary hair due to decreased sex hormones
Hypotension is caused due to
water and sodium loss.
what do you expect cortisol to be when diagnosing adrenal insufficiency
less then 3mcg/dL
what do you expect glucose to be when diagnosing adrenal insufficiency
decreased due to lack of cortisol
what do you expect potassium to be when diagnosing adrenal insufficiency
increased due to water loss
what do you expect sodium to be when diagnosing adrenal insufficiency
decreased due to hypocortisolism and hypoaldosteronism
when are cortisol levels the highest
in the morning so should be measured between 6am-8am
what is an insulin tolerance test
uses hypoglycemic stress to induce cortisol production. The peak cortisol response is measured after an insulin challenge of 0.1-0.15 units/kg.
what is a corticotropin simulation test
uses a synthetic form of adrenocorticotropic hormone administered intravenously followed by measurement of serum cortisol levels 30-60 minutes later.
what is the definitive treatment for adrenal insufficiency
Cortisol replacement
what is the med of choice for adrenal insufficiency
Hydrocortisone
Clients with acute adrenal crisis require what
emergency stabilization with IV fluids and glucose, along with IV administration of glucocorticoids (cortisol), Solu-Cortef (hydrocortisone), and dexamethasone (Decadron).
Side effects of Solu-Cortef include
weight gain, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, dizziness, and menstrual period changes. It should be tapered off. If stopped abruptly acute adrenal insufficiency could occur.
The client receiving cortisol replacements requires close monitoring including
frequent VS, neurological assessment (LOC), serum sodium, glucose and potassium levels.
Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening emergency that leads to
severe hypovolemia and hypotension. Because of the decrease in aldosterone and cortisol the client loses sodium and fluid. Hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia are associated with lack of both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids
what is another name for adrenal insufficiency
addisons disease
what do you expect to find for addisons disease
autoimmune destruction abdominal pain dark skin salt craving low sodium and cortisol stress high potassium
what is the cause of adrenal cortex hyperfunction
may be secondary to excessive secretion of glucocorticoids (hypercortisolism) or excessive secretion of aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism).
It is typically caused by excessive hormone production due to a pituitary tumor causing excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion or a tumor on the adrenal cortex. However, it can be medication induced.
Hypercortisolism signs and symptoms include
hyperglycemia, fluid retention, hypokalemia, abnormal fat distribution, and decreased muscle mass. The maldistribution of fats and changes in muscle are related to the effects that glucocorticoids have on fat and protein metabolism
what is cushings disease
describes a condition caused by excess cortisol production.
what gender and age is more likely to get cushings
femal 25-40
how do you diagnose cushings
client presentation and confirmed with serum cortisol levels, results of suppression tests, and serum electrolyte levels. 24-hour urine cortisol levels should be used, as cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day.
what is the focus for hypercortisolism or cushings
The focus is to prevent complications associated with fluid overload, changes in immune system, skin integrity, and changes in body structure.
what does aminoglutethimide do and what does it treat
is an example of a medication that interferes with cortisol production in the adrenal cortex
cushings
what should be monitored when taking aminoglutethimide
The nurse should monitor for s/s of adrenal suppression including hypoglycemia and hyponatremia.
what does cyproheptadine do and what does it treat
impacts ACTH production.
cushings