Endocrine System Flashcards
What is Addision’s Disease?
disorder caused by damaged adrenal glands that cant produce enough cortical hormones
What does Addison’s disease result in?
Deficiency of:
- Cortisol
- Aldosterone
- Adrenal Androgens
Manifestations of Cortisol Insufficiency
- Decreased Liver Fx
- Decreased stomach enzymes
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypoglycemia
- N/V/D
- Lethargy/Weakness
Manifestations of Aldosterone Insufficiency
- Dehydration
- Hyponatremia
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Hypovolemic shock
- Hyperkalemia (arrhythmias)
- Syncope
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Cushing’s syndrome
Addison’s disease
Pituitary Gland Disorders
SIADH
Diabetes Insipidus
What are functions of thyroid gland?
- Produce/stores/release TH
- Increase metabolism
- Promote growth
- Very vascular
An increase of ACTH causes
hyperpigmentation
What are androgens (Sex Hormones) and what do they do?
- Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone
2. Aid in growth & development
Over-secretion of androgens lead to
masculinization/male features
What happens when cortisol/glucocorticoids are increased?
- Glucose increase
- Fatty acid production is increased
- Increase protein breakdown
- Anti-inflammatory effects
What is Grave’s disease? (pathophysiology)
- Autoimmune disorder
2. Antibodies bind to TSH which cause over stimulation of TH (T3 & T4)
What is the relationship between hyperthyroidism and the clinical manifestations?
Everything is sped up
HYPERthyroidism
Clinical Manifestations of Hyperthyroidsim
- Hypertension
- Increased appetite,
- Tachycardia
- Increased Metabolism –> weight loss
- Angina/HF
- Hyperactive bowels and Diarrhea
- Nervousness
- Exophthalmos*
- Goiter
- Amneorrhea (no period)
What is exophthalmos? How is it caused? Characteristics?
- Edema & inflammation behind eyes; pressure pushes eyes outward
- Too much TH forces eye out
- Permanent symptom even with hyperthyroid treatment
Major concern if patient has a goiter
Airway!!
How is hypothyroidism treated?
- Meds (Methimazole & Propylthiouracil)
2. Radioactive Iodine
Why is radioactive iodine given preop?
to make thyroid gland less vascular to decrease risk of hemorrhaging/bleeding
Why is thyroid replacement needed after RAI?
RAI destroys thyroid-producing cells which reduces TH production
Nursing Interventions for RAI Therapy
- Patient must be isolated for 2-3wk
- Set time frame for being in room
- Everything remains in room because considered radioactive
Why is propranolol administered with anti-thyroid meds?
Hyperthyroidism inc BP/HR.
Betablockers used to decrease BP & HR
Why is iodine solution given 10 days prior to thyroidectomy?
To put patient in euthyroid state to decrease risk for thyroid storm
What is thyroidectomy used for? What is needed following thyroidectomy?
To treat thyroid cancer
Lifelong hormone replacement since removing thyroid gland
Nursing Interventions for Post Op Thyroidectomy
- Support Head/Neck (prevents hemorrhaging that can cause airway block)
- Voice checks (want to rest voice but need to ensure no vocal cord damage)
- Perform eye care (expothalmos = high risk for infection)
- Monitor for infection/BP/HR/RR
What are complications of thyroidectomy?
- Hemorrhaging
- Respiratory Obstruction
- Hypocalcemia
Why is hypocalcemia a complication of thyroidectomy?
- Parathyroid is on thyroid glands
- Parathyroid regulates calcium
- Remove thyroid gland, may remove parathyroid, thus causing hypocalcemia
Signs of Hypocalcemia
- Positve Chvostek (twitching)
- Positive Trousseau (flexion of wrist and elbow, extension of finger)
- CATS
How is hypocalcemia treated?
Calcium glucaonate via IV if severe
How is calcium gluconate given and why?
Via central line to prevent vasospasm
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Primary causes of hypothyroidism
- Defect in thyroid gland
- Thyroidectomy
- Hyperthyroidism treatment
- Hashimito disease (autoimmune)
Secondary causes of hypothyroidism
- TSH deficiency
2. resistance to TH
If hypothyroidism is caused by thyroid issue, what hormone levels would you expect?
- Decreased T3 & T4
2. Increased TSH