endocrine/thyroid Flashcards
what are the 3 common characteristics of all hormones?
1) secreted in small amounts
2) regulated by feedback loops
3) bind to specific receptors
what is diabetes insipidus?
decreased production of or renal response to ADH, which can cause electrolyte imbalances
what is the most common type of diabetes insipidus?
central/neurogenic
what are the 2 main signs of DI? what can these cause?
polydipsia and polyuria
- if oral intake can’t keep up w urinary losses, fluid vol deficit can result
- increased urinary output can cause sever F&E imbalances
what 2 urine characteristics denote SI?
- dilute urine (spec grav 1.005)
- urine output > 200mL/hr
what is hyperaldosteronism?
when the adrenal glands make too much aldosterone which leads to HTN and low K levels and excretion of H+ ions in the urine
what are 2 diagnostic tests for the parathyroids?
parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium
what are some thyroid lab studies?
thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3)
what is hyperthyroidism?
hyperactivity of the thyroid gland with sustained increase in synthesis and release of thyroid hormones
what are most cases of hyperthyroidism a result of?
Graves’ disease
what is Graves’ disease?
an autoimmune disease characterized by enlargement and excess thyroid hormone secretion
what are the classic findings in Graves’ disease?
goiter with possible bruits, protrusion of eyeballs from orbits (exophthalmos)
what are two labs used to confirm hyperthyroidism?
decreased TSH and elevated free T4 levels
what is the primary treatment of hyperthyroidism?
antithyroid meds, radioactive iodine therapy, subtotal thyroidectomy. beta blockers are used to manage sympathetic response
what is hypothyroidism?
a deficiency of thyroid hormones that causes a general slowing of the metabolic rate
