Endocrine System Flashcards
What causes acromegaly?
overproduction of growth hormone
Acromegaly most often occurs because of a ______
benign growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma
Excessive growth hormone causes an overgrowth of soft tissues and bones in the _____, ____, and _____
hands, feet, face
Due to tongue enlargement, ___ and ____ occur
voice deepens; sleep apnea
What happens to the skin with acromegaly?
becomes thick, leathery, oily with acne outbreaks
What happens with GH and insulin?
glucose intolerance turns into diabetes mellitus
What are people with acromegaly prone to?
cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, colorectal cancer
Diagnostic studies for acromegaly
1GF-1 levels, OGTT, MRI, CT with contrast
What is the primary nursing goal for acromegaly?
return GH to normal level
What is the treatment of choice for acromegaly?
hypophysectomy
What is the primary drug for acromegaly?
octreotide - adminsitered 3 times weekly
define panhypopituitarism
total failure of the pituitary gland resulting in deficiency of all pituitary hormones
What is the usual cause of pituitary hypofunction?
pituitary tumor
Early manifestations of hypopituitarism
headaches, visual changes, loss of smell, nausea and vomiting, seizures
What is the treatment for hypopituitarism
surgery or radiation therapy with lifelong hormone replacement
What medication is used for long-term hormone therapy in adults with GH deficiency
somatropin
What are the mild to moderate side effects of somatropin?
fluid retention with swelling in the feet and hands, myalgia, joint pain, headache
When should GH be administered?
daily in the evenings
When is hormone therapy contraindicated?
phlebitis, pulmonary embolism, breast cancer, prostate cancer
What should a nurse do after a pituitary surgery?
Assess the patient for the formation of a hematoma compressing the optic nerve
What are common postoperative complications after pituitary surgery?
CSF leaks, epistaxis
Post pituitary surgery, a glucose level greater than _____ indicates CSF leakage from an open connection with the brain
30 mg/dL
What do complaints of persistent and severe generalized or supraorbital headache post pituitary surgery indicate?
CSF leakage into sinuses
After pituitary surgery the patient’s HOB should be at a ____ degree angle at all times
30
