Endocrine System Flashcards
Addison’s Disease
Hyposecretion of hormones from the adrenal gland resulting in deficiency of corticosteroid hormones. Fatal if untreated.
Chvostek’s sign
Sign of hypocalcemia. A spasm of the facial muscle elicited by tapping on the facial nerve anterior to the ear.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Disorder resulting from excessive and chronic production of cortisol by the adrenal cortex.
Diabetes insipidus
Hyposecretion of ADH from the pituitary gland resulting in the kidneys failing to reabsorb water and diuresis.
Myxedema coma
Coma caused by persistently low thyroid production.
Trousseau’s sign
Sign of hypocalcemia. Hand curls up when BP cuff applied to brachial artery for 3 minutes.
Hypothalamus
Controls the autonomic nervous system, endocrine processes, sleep, body temperature and appetite.
- growth hormone - inhibiting
- growth hormone - releasing
- gonadotropin releasing hormone
Pituitary Gland
Located in the base of the brain it promotes the growth of body tissue, influences water absorption in the kidneys, and controls sexual development and function.
- growth hormone
- lutenizing hormone
- thyroid stimulating hormone
Adrenal Gland
Sit on top of each kidney and regulate electrolyte balance, carbohydrate fat and protein metabolism, development of sexual characteristics and sustains the fight or flight response.
Adrenal Cortex
Outer shell of the adrenal gland which synthesizes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Adrenal Medulla
Inner core of the adrenal gland which produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Thyroid Gland
Controls body metabolism, growth and function of T3 and T4
Parathyroid glands
Located in the thyroid gland and control calcium and phosphorus metabolism and produce parathyroid hormone.
Pancreas
Metabolizes carbs, fats and proteins and produces insulin and glucagon.
Negative feedback loop
Regulates hormone secretion by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Radioactive iodine uptake
Thyroid function test, if increase in value then hyperthyroidism confirmed, if decrease in value then hypothyroidism confirmed.
Hypopituitarism
Hyposecretion of pituitary hormones cause by tumor, trauma, autoimmunity or stroke. Most often affects gonadotropic and growth hormones. Treat with hormone replacement therapy.
Diabetes insipidus
Hypo secretion of ADH causes the kidneys to fail to reabsorb water. Symptoms include dehydration, urination, polydipsia. Administer vasopressin tannate or demopressin acetate for treatment.
Inappropriate ADH secretion
ADH is in appropriately secreted by the posterior pituitary gland causing fluid overload, weight gain, hypertension, and tachycardia. Limit fluids and diuretics.
Addison’s disease
Hyposecretion of hormones of the adrenal cortex (corticosteroids). Causes lethargy, weight loss, GI problems, hypoglycemia, hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia. Monitor WBC and electrolytes, administer glucocorticosteriods or mineralcorticosteriods.
Cushing’s Disease
Hyper secretion of corticosteroids of the adrenal cortex. Causes obesity, moonface, buffalo hump. Chemotherapy and tumor removal.
Conn’s Syndrome (hyperaldosteronism)
Hypersecretion of aldosterone from the adrenal gland (usually caused by an adenoma). Polydipsia, polyuria, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hypertension, visual disturbance. Adrenalectomy, administer spironolactone to promote fluid balance and control hypertension.
Pheochromocytoma
Catelecholamine producing tumor usually found in the adrenal medulla. Produces excess epinephrine and norepinephrine. Treated by removal of the adrenal gland.
Hypothyroidism
Hyposecretion of T3 and T4, lowers body metabolism causing lethargy, weakness, bradycardia, cold sensation, constipation. Treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Hyperthyroidism
Hypersecretion of T3 & T4. Increases body metabolism, causing diarrhea, hot, protruding eyes, hypertension. Treat with anti-thyroid medication to block thyroid synthesis or removal.
Symptoms of hypo
- shakiness
- palpitations
- lightheadedeness
- irritability
- nervousness
- confusion
- diaphoresis
Symptoms of hyper
- polyuria
- blurred vision
- fruity breath
- polydipsia
Treatment for hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome
Treatment focuses on correcting electrolyte imbalance and restoring fluid volume.
DKA - symptoms that confirm diagnosis
- deep rapid breathing
- increased blood glucose levels
- decrease in bicarbonate levels
- arterial pH < 7.35
- glucose >250mg/dL
Normal blood glucose level
70-100 mg/dL
Hypoglycemia
Blood sugar <70mg/dl
Hyperglycemia
> 100 mg/dL
Symptomatic at >200 mg/dl
NPH insulin
It is an intermediate-acting insulin (isophane). It starts to work more slowly but lasts longer than regular insulin. Insulin isophane works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. Insulin isophane is often used in combination with a shorter-acting insulin.
Symptom of hyperparathyroidism
Polyuria - hypercalcemia is a characteristic of hyperparathyroidism causing osmotic diuresis and polyuria.
Complications of pheocromocytoma
Hypertension, hypertensive retinopathy and nephropathy, myocarditis, increased platelet aggregation, and stroke
Signs of hypoparathyroidism
Feeling cold, hair loss, lethargy, and facial puffiness
Signs of hyperparathyroidism
Tremors, weight loss, feeling hot, diarrhea
Symptoms of a thyroid storm
Elevated temperature (fever), nausea, and tremors. In addition, as the condition progresses, the client becomes confused. The client is restless and anxious and experiences tachycardia.
Humulin R
Short acting insulin that can be given IV
Humulin N
Intermediate acting insulin
Addisonian crisis
serious life-threatening response to acute adrenal insufficiency that most commonly is precipitated by a major stressor. The client in Addisonian crisis may demonstrate any of the signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease, but the primary problems are sudden profound weakness; severe abdominal, back, and leg pain; hyperpyrexia followed by hypothermia; peripheral vascular collapse; coma; and renal failure.
Signs of hypothyroidism
puffy, edematous face, especially around the eyes (periorbital edema), along with coarse facial features, dry skin, and dry, coarse hair and eyebrows.
Signs of hyperthyroidism
Thin, silky hair
Bulging eyeballs
Fine muscle tremors
Tetany
A condition marked by intermittent muscular spasms, caused by malfunction of the parathyroid glands and a consequent deficiency of calcium.
Posterior pituitary gland produces
ADH and oxytocin
Anterior pituitary gland produces
GH, LH, and FSH.
Manifestations of Addison’s disease
postural hypotension from fluid loss, syncope, muscle weakness, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, weight loss, depression, and irritability.
Thyroid storm
An acute, life-threatening condition that occurs in a client with uncontrollable hyperthyroidism. Clinical manifestations of thyroid storm include systolic hypertension, tachycardia, diarrhea, and a fever as high as 106° F. Other manifestations include abdominal pain, dehydration, extreme vasodilation, stupor rapidly progressing to coma, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular collapse.
