Endocrine System Disorders Flashcards
what is hyperthyroidism?
signs, diagnostics and nursing care?
an overactive thyroid gland
causes overproduction of T3 and T4
- this increases metabolic rate
- results in multisystem disease
signs
- palpable enlarged thyroid
- polyphagia with weight loss
- polyuria/polydipsia
- hypertension, heart murmur and tachycardia
diagnostics
- bloods - including total T4
- thyroid scintigraphy
nursing care
- monitor vitals
- reduce stress
- fresh water available
- suitable diet and medications
- radioactive protocols
what is hypothyroidism?
signs, diagnostics and nursing care?
an underactive thyroid gland
- often from autoimmune destruction
causes decreased production of T3 and T4
- reduces metabolic rate and the way body processes fat
- increases cholesterol and atherosclerosis
signs
- lethargic and exercise intolerance
- weight gain
- bradycardia
- dermatological abnormalities - alopecia/seborrhea/pyoderma
diagnostics
- history and exam
- bloods - plus total T4
- discover any underlying causes
nursing care
- medications - thyroxine
- monitor vitals
- fresh water availability
- medications and suitable diet
- treat secondary skin disorders
what are the different types of hyperadrenocorticism?
AKA: Cushings
Pituitary dependent - 80% canine cases
- tumour on gland - causes over secretion of ACTH
- causes increase production of glucocorticoids
- so increase in cortisol
- can cause compression at base of brain and optic nerves
Adrenal based - 20% canine cases
- adrenal tumour
- causes an increase in cortisol production
Iatrogenic
- result of giving high doses of steroids
- symptoms will go once steroids are discontinued
Hyperadrenocorticism
- signs, diagnostics and nursing care?
signs
- lethargic
- polyuria/polydipsia/polyphagia
- loss of muscle tone
- potbelly
- dermatological abnormalities - alopecia/seborrhoea/dull and dry
- neurological signs with PHD
diagnostics
- ultrasound/radiographs/MRI/CT - find tumour
- urine analysis - cortisol/creatinine
- bloods - ACTH stim, dexamethasone suppression tests, serum insulin levels
nursing care
- careful handling as haematomas are common
- fresh water availability - frequent toileting chances
- surgical - if adrenal-dependent
- medications
what is hypoadrenocorticism?
signs, diagnostics and nursing care?
AKA: addison’s disease
atrophy of adrenal cortex
- often auto-immune destruction or tumour of adrenal gland
- causes decrease in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production
so reduced levels of cortisol and aldosterone
- this causes electrolyte imbalances
- low sodium/high potassium
- causing muscle and nervous system problems
signs
- lethergic/depressed
- anorexic, dehydrated and weight loss
- V+ and D+
- changes in skin/coat
- arrhythmia from hyperkalaemia
- severe = hypovolaemia, prerenal failure and collapse
diagnostics
- bloods - check sodium, potassium, creatinine and urea
- ultrasound/radiographs/MRI/CT - for tumours
- ACTH stim for adrenal gland function
- ECG - arrhythmias
nursing care
- IVFT - often 0.9% saline
- monitor vitals - esp. ECG
- medications
- stimulate appetite
- fresh water availability and frequent toilet chances
What is diabetes mellitus?
signs, diagnostics and nursing care?
insufficient production of insulin
- type 1 = due to auto-immune disease - often dogs
- type 2 = resistance to hormone itself - often cats
both cause hyperglycemia
signs
- polyuria/polydipsia
- sweet smelling breath
- polyphagia with weight loss - cells not taking in sugar so still hungry and body will break down fat/muscle
- compromised kidneys = more waste in blood - can be fatal
diagnostics
- bloods - waste products and fructosamine (sugar over few weeks)
- urinalysis - ketones/glucose and culture
nursing care
- monitor blood glucose levels
- insulin administration (if type 1) and/or other meds
- appropriate diet and fresh water availability
- frequent toilet chances for dogs
- client education and support
Ideal diets for diabetes mellitus patients?
dogs = low in simple carbs and high in fibre
- complex breakdown takes longer so no sudden rise in sugars
cats = low in carbs and high in protein
insulin given after meals
- if before they may not eat - will enter hypo state
- keep exercise same each day
what is diabetes insipidus?
signs, diagnostics and nursing care?
trauma to the hypothalamus - often from trauma
two forms:
- central = decrease in antidiuretic hormone (ADH) production by pituitry
- nephrogenic = collecting tubules in nephrons don’t respond to ADH
signs
- polyuria/polydipsia
- increased drinking
- weight loss - poor appetite due to constant thirst
diagnostics
- bloods and urinalysis
- water deprivation test
- trial ADH replacement
nursing care
- medications and supplements
- monitor hydration, vitals and electrolytes
- IVFT
