Endocrine system Flashcards
Function of the Endocrine System
Homeostasis: Regulating body’s internal environment.
Stress response: Hormones like cortisol help in managing stress.
Growth and Development: Hormones like growth hormone (GH) are crucial for physical development.
Sexual Maturation: Involves hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and others.
Causes of Endocrine Dysfunction
Endocrine Gland Dysfunction
Increased Hormone Degradation/Inactivation:
Ectopic Hormone Release
describe endocrine gland dysfunction
The gland itself is malfunctioning
describe Increased Hormone Degradation/Inactivation
Hormones are being broken down or rendered ineffective
describe Ectopic Hormone Release
Hormones are produced in abnormal locations, often by tumors
what are some common endocrine disorders?
Pituitary Disorders, Adrenal Disorders,pancreatic Disorder, Thyroid Disorders
what are pituitary disorders and what do they do
SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion):
Overproduction of ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia.
Often caused by ectopic hormone production from tumors and Diabetes Insipidus:
Insufficient ADH, causing excessive urination and dehydration.
what are adrenal disorders and what do they do
Hyperadrenalism (Cushing’s Syndrome): Excess cortisol leads to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and hypertension.
Hypoadrenalism: Adrenal insufficiency can be primary, secondary, or tertiary, resulting in low cortisol levels.
what are pancreatic disorders
diabetes type 1 and 2 and Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
what are tyroid diseases
Hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves’ Disease, nodular thyroid disease):
Excess production of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like tremors, weight loss, and heat intolerance.
Hypothyroidism (e.g., Hashimoto’s Disease, thyroiditis):
Deficient production of thyroid hormones, causing fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Assessment: what is Subjective Data Collection
Urine changes: Frequency, urgency, nocturia, polyuria.
Bowel changes: Diarrhoea, constipation.
Appetite: Increase or decrease, nausea, vomiting.
Weight: Recent loss or gain.
Eyes: Focus problems, soreness, dryness.
Mood: Depression, sadness.
Skin: Dryness.
Nails: Brittleness, pitting, splitting.
Hair: Hair loss.
Cardiovascular: Tremors, palpitations, chest pain.
Breathing: Changes in breathing patterns.
Sleep: Insomnia or changes in sleep habits.
Assessment: Objective Data Collection
Inspection:
Skin, nails, eyes, and hair condition.
Presence of goitre.
Palpation:
Lymph nodes.
Thyroid gland (check for goitre).
Additional Tests:
Hearing and eye exams.
Pain assessment.
Vital signs: Blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
Blood Glucose Levels: Especially for patients with diabetes.
