Exam 1 Flashcards
Fludrocortisone
affects fluid and electrolytes, causes sodium and water retention, treats adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease, aims to help control BP and restore fluid and electrolyte balance
adverse affects: sodium accumulation, potassium depletion
the only drug that has true mineralocorticoid effects.
Fludrocortisone is used in combination with glucocorticoids to replace
mineralocorticoid activity in patients who suffer from adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison disease) and to treat salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.
The primary therapeutic outcomes expected from fludrocortisone therapy are
control of bp
and
restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance
Premedication assessments for fludrocortisone include
indications of electrolyte imbalance
acurate I/O and vitals
signs of infection
baseline assessment for alertness, oriented
ask about previous heartburn, ulcer, or stomach pain
regularly test stools for blood occult
fludrocortisone dosage
PO 0.1 mg daily
Cortisone or hydrocortisone are also usually administered with fludrocortisone to
provide additional glucocorticoid effect
Fludrocortisone produces marked ______ retention and ________ depletion, which could lead to high blood pressure
sodium and water retention
and
potassium depletion
The major glucocorticoid of the adrenal cortex is
cortisol
Glucocorticoids
Antiinflammatory, antiallergenic, immunosuppression
used for certain cancers, organ transplant, autoimmune diseases, allergies, shock
Common and serious adverse effects: Electrolyte imbalance, fluid accumulation; susceptibility to infection; behavioral changes for those with a history of mental illness; hyperglycemia; peptic ulcer formation; delayed wound healing; visual disturbances; osteoporosis in the long term
Corticosteroids can mask symptoms of
infection, this means that the typical symptoms of an infection (fever for example) may not be seen
When glucocorticoids are used to control rheumatoid arthritis, symptom relief is noted within
a few days
Glucocorticoids are also effective for immunosuppression in the treatment of
certain cancers, organ transplantation, and autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis); relief of allergic manifestations (e.g., serum sickness, severe hay fever, status asthmaticus); and treatment of shock. They also may be used to treat nausea and vomiting secondary to chemotherapy.
The primary therapeutic outcomes expected from glucocorticoid therapy are
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Minimized shock syndrome and faster recovery
- Reduced nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy
Glucocorticoids are effective in the treatment of certain cancers because of their
immunosuppressive properties.
Corticotropin-releasing factor stimulates the release of ____________ from the pituitary gland.
adrenocorticotropic hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete ________.
cortisol
As serum levels of cortisol increase, the amount of corticotropin-releasing factor secreted by the hypothalamus is __________.
decreased
Abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids may result in ____________ if higher dosages are being received.
adrenal insufficiency
Corticosteroid therapy should be withdrawn _______
gradually (steroid taper)
- Patients who have received corticosteroids for at least 3 weeks must not abruptly discontinue therapy.
The time required to decrease glucocorticoids depends on the
o Duration of treatment
o Dosage amount
o Mode of administration
o Glucocorticoid being used
Symptoms of abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids include:
Fever
Malaise
Fatigue
Weakness
Anorexia
Nausea
Orthostatic hypotension
Dizziness
Fainting
Dyspnea
Hypoglycemia
Muscle and joint pain
Possible exacerbation of the disease process
Common and serious adverse effects of glucocorticoids therapy are
fluid and electrolyte disturbances
susceptibility to infection
behavioral changes
hyperglycemia
peptic ulcer formation
delayed wound healing
visual disturbances (cataracts)
osteoporosis
drug interactions associated with glucocorticoids
diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide, thiazides)
warfarin (may alter anticoagulant effects)
oral hypoglycemic agents (may cause hyperglycemia)
rifampin (may enhance metabolism of corticosteroids, reducing therapeutic effect)
Synthetic glucocorticoids, also commonly known as _____________, are medications that can be used in clients with decreased adrenal function, such as in adrenal insufficiency; this is also known as Addison disease, and specifically occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make enough endogenous glucocorticoids, so these clients need hormone replacement therapy with synthetic glucocorticoids.
corticosteroids
__________ and ___________ are endogenous hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands. In clients with impaired adrenal function, these hormones can be administered as replacement therapy.
Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
glucocorticoids are used in the treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions, such as
asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as preventing organ rejection in transplant recipients
short-acting glucocorticoids
cortisone and hydrocortisone
intermediate-acting glucocorticoids
prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone