Exam 3 - Content Material Flashcards
What is Lipohypertrophy?
The formation of fatty lumps at or around insulin injection sites. It is caused by repeatedly injecting into the same place and by reusing the same needle.
What does the Adrenal medulla secrete?
Secretes catecholamines (epi, NE)
What does the adrenal cortex secrete?
Secretes corticosteroids (glucocorticoids & mineralocorticoids)
What is the Zona reticularis?
region of the adrenal cortex that produces & secretes androgens, progesterone and the estrogens
Glucocorticoid synthesis and secretion is regulated by what kind of feedback mechanism?
Negative feedback
What classes of hormones does the adrenal cortex secrete?
- glucocorticoids
- mineralocorticoids
- adrenal androgens.
What factors cause the hypothalamus to release CRH?
- stress
- infection
- pain
- hypoglycemia
- trauma
- hemorrhage & sleep
NOTE THESE ARE ALL STRESS FACTORS
What effect does ACTH have on the adrenal cortex?
It causes the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids, estrogens, androgens and cortisol
What should you consider when administering oral glucocorticoids?
- Orally glucocorticoids inhibit the release of endogenous glucocorticoid by the adrenals.
- Long term glucocorticoids leads to pituitary inability to manufacture ACTH & thus the adrenals stop synthesizing cortisol & other glucocorticoids. (times time to get regain this function
- Taper dose during withdrawal over 7 days
- Give additional glucocorticoids during times of stress
What are the symptoms of glucocorticoid withdraw?
- Hypotension
- hypoglycemia
- myalgia
- arthralgia
- fatigue
What are some examples of glucocorticoid durgs?
- cortisone
- prednisone
What are some effects of glucocorticoids in general?
- Increase the availability of glucose (Cortisol) –> can cause hyperglycemia
- Protein synthesis is suppressed
- fat deposits are mobilized
- Most glucocorticoids have little mineralocorticoid activity
- So glucocorticoids do not induce significant Na+ retention & K+ loss
What are some adverse reactions with high dose Glucocorticoids?
- Usually seen with high doses
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Osteoporosis
- Infection
- Glucose intolerance – can inc plasma glucose levels (hyperglycemia)
- Myopathy – muscle weakness (arms & legs) → fatigue
- Fluid & electrolyte disturbance → K+ loss
- Growth retardation
- Psychologic disturbances
- Cataracts & glaucoma
- Peptic Ulcer Dz
- Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome
What are low dose glucocorticoids used for?
- Used to tx adrenocortical insufficiency
- no toxic effects at physiologic doses
What are the effects of high dose glucocorticoids?
- Used to tx nonendocrine disorders
- Has high anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions:
- allergic rxns, asthma, inflammation, suppress immune response in organ transplant recipients & cancer
Glucocorticoids increase blood glucose concentrations by what 5 methods?
- Stimulation of gluconeogenesis & glucose secretion by the liver
- Increasing the hepatic sensitivity to the gluconeogenic actions of glucagon and catecholamines
- Decreasing glucose uptake and utilization by peripheral tissue (adipose and muscle)
- Promotion of glucose storage
- Increasing proteolysis and decreasing protein synthesis in muscles to support the gluconeogenesis activities
What is the main pharmacologic effect of glucocorticoids, and how does it do this?
- Main function
- to suppress immune system and inflammation
- Action:
- inhibiting chemical mediators such as prostaglandins, histamine , leukotrienes, lymphocytes, phagocytic cells, neutrophils & macrophage
What are the differences between Glucocorticoids & NSAIDs?
Glucocorticoids:
- Bind to DNA and does RNA coding for protein synthesis
- have much greater anti-inflammatory actions
NSAIDs:
- ↓ COX enzymes → ↓ production of prostaglandins (chem. that promote inflammation, pain, and fever) → ulcers in the stomach and intestines, and ↑ risk of bleeding.
What are some short acting Glucocorticoids?
- Cortisone
- Hydrocortisone
8-12 min half life
What are some intermediate acting Glucocorticoids?
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Methylprednisolone
- Triamcinoclone
18-36min half life
What are some long acting Glucocorticoids?
- Bethmethasone
- Deamethasone
36-54min half life
What are some uses for Glucocorticoids?
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (reduce inflammation & pain but does not alter dz)
- Local injections are effective and less toxic than systemic tx
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Inflammatory disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s dz)
- Allergic reactions (bee stings, drug rxn’s, poison ivy etc…)
- Asthma (PO & inhalation) reserved if β2 agonist not working
- Dermatologic disorders
- Neoplasms
- Suppression of allograft rejection to prevent organ transplant rejections (person is on this for life)
- Prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants
How do high dose glucocorticoids cause Osteoporosis?
- By inhibiting Ca++ absorption
- Dec bone formation of osteoblast & accelerate the bone resorption of osteoclasts.
How do you prevent osteoporosis when giving high dose glucocorticoids?
- Check bone mineral density with long term tx b/4 tx starts
- Give Ca++ with vit D.
- ↓ Na+ intake & give thiazide diuretic with bisphosphonates or calcitonin (↑ bone density)
What is lactic acidosis and it is seen most commonly with what?
- Accumulation of lactic acid in blood, resulting in a lower pH in muscle & serum.
- Occurs most commonly in tissue hypoxia, liver impairment, resp. failure, burn trauma, neoplasms & CV disease
What is ketoacidosis?
acidosis is accompanied by an accumulation of ketones in the body, resulting from extensive breakdown of fats because of faulty carbohydrate metabolism.
What are the symptoms of Ketoacidosis?
Fruity odor of acetone, confusion, dyspnea, N/V, dehydration, wt. loss and, if untreated, coma
What is Cushing syndrome?
adrenal hormone excess
What is addison’s disease?
Adrenal hormone deficiency
How would high doses of Glucocorticoids cause peptic ulcers?
glucocort inhibit prostaglandins, inhibit mucus & dec blood flow (watch for black tarry stools)
What are the effects of Glucocorticoids on pregnant women?
- Crosses placenta (cleft palate, spontaneous abortion & low birth weight)
- Lactation – enter breast milk (doses > 5 mg/day prednisone) cause growth retardation
What are some drug interactions with Gluccocorticoids?
- Digoxin, thiazide & loop diuretics
- NSAID’s
- Insulin & oral hypoglycemics (may need insulin & hypoglycemic agents.
- Vaccines
Why would you want to monitor a patient who is taking glucocortiticoids and Digoxin, thiazide & or loop diuretics?
- You would want to monitor a patent taking both of thse medications because they both cause K+ loss. (Glucocorticoids cause retention of Na and H2O and excretion of K+ and so do diuretics).
- The loss of potassium can result cardiotoxicity.
Why would giving a vaccine to a patient who is taking glucocorticoids be contraindicated?
- Because glucocorticoids supress the immune system this leads to a decreased antibody reaction to antigens.
- This can lead to a live otherwise harmless vaccine causing a viral infection
- DON’T GIVE THEM BOTH AT THE SAME TIME
Why wouldn’t you want to give a patient with a systemic fungal infection glucocorticoids?
- Because glucocorticoids supress the immune system this leads to a decreased antibody reaction to antigens from the fungal infection.
- Giving a patient with a systemic fungal infection glucocorticoids would supress the immune system that is needed to fight off the fungal infection.
- Giving a patient glucocorticoids with a systemic fungal infection IS CONTRAINDICATED
You should take precaution giving glucocorticoids to what kind of patients?
- Pediatric patients
- pregnant women
- breast feeding women
- With HTN & heart failure
- With renal impairment
- With esophagitis, gastritis, or PUD,
- With myasthenia gravis
- With diabetes
- With osteoporosis
- Taking diuretics, digoxin, insulin, hypoglycemics & or NSAIDs
- If have high mineralocorticoids DO NOT administer systemically for long periods of time
How are Glucocorticoids administered?
- PO, IV, IM, SQ, topically, local injection or inhalation
- Usually given in morning before 9:00am
- Doses are usually tapered if taking for long perioids of time
- Prolonged treatment with high doses usually only given if there are life threatening circumstances
What are tye metabolic effects of the glucocorticoids?
1) A mobilization of fatty acids, converting cell metabolism from using glucose for energy to using fatty acids for energy
2) Antagonistic effect on antidiuretic hormones to maintain water balance
3) Reduction in the amount of new bone synthesis
4) Allows the body to deal with stress by allowing epi and glucagon to activate gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis
How are aldosterone levels controled?
- Extracellular Na+ & K+ levels – when serum Na+ levels are low or K+ levels are high, aldosterone levels rise
- Renal renin release – a reduction in renal blood flow inc aldosterone levels by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS)
- Pituitary ACTH – the glucocorticoid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex have mineralocorticoid effects
What does aldosterone do?
- Regulates K+, Na+ & H2O balanceIn the distal renal tubules
- aldosterone promotes the reabsorption of Na+ into the blood in exchange for K+ secreted into the renal tubules for excretion
Where are Mineralocorticoids produced?
in the outer layer of the adrenal cortex (zona glomerulosa)
What type of drug is Fludrocortisone and what is it used for?
- Mineral corticosteroid
- Has both high minealocorticoid and glucocotricoid activity
- Used for adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison dz)and for tx of salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome
What are the pharmacokinetics of Fludrocortisone?
What is the MOA of fludrocortidone?
- Acts on the distal renal tubule to enhance the reabsorption of Na+ and to inc the urinary excretion of both K+ & H+ ions
- Low doses – mineralocorticoid effect K+ excretion and Na+ retention which inc blood pressure
- High dose – glucocorticoid activity
What are some contraindications for mineralcorticoids?
- Systemic fungal infection
- Conditions not requiring mineralocorticoid activity
What are some adverse effects of Mineralcorticoids?
- Small dose – Na+ retention, K+ excretion causing inc blood pressure
- Large dose -
- Inhibits endogenous adrenal cortical secretion & pituitary corticotropin excretion
- promotes the deposition of liver glycogen
What are some complications of Diabetes?
- HTN,
- heart disease,
- renal failure,
- blindness,
- neuropathy,
- amputations,
- impotence
- stroke
When does Type I diabetes usually develop?
- Accounts for 5 to10% of all cases (approx. 1.2 to 2.4 million)
- Most develop during childhood, usually abruptly from destruction of pancreatic beta cells (autoimmune disorder)
When does Type II diabetes usually develop?
- Begins at middle age & progresses gradually
- Usually obese with low risk of ketoacidosis, but can be normal weightHas same long-term risk of complications as type 1 diabetes
- Sx’s are from insulin resistance & decreased insulin secretion
- Capable of insulin synthesis
What are some characteristics of type I diabetes?
- due to destruction of pancreatic beta cells (r/t autoimmune process-development of antibodies against the patient’s own beta cells) which are responsible for insulin synthesis and release into the bloodstream.
- Genetics plays a role, but the trigger for the autoimmune process has not yet been uncovered
What are some characteristics of type II diabetes?
They have normal or slightly high insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia).
What are some complications of Diabetes?
- Macrovascular damage – heart dz, HTN & stroke usually due to artherosclerosis (hyperglycemia & lipid metabolism)
- Microvascular damage – damage to small blood vessels & capillaries
- Retinopathy (blindness)
- Nephropathy
- Sensory & motor neuropathy (tingling in finger, toes)
- AutonomicNeuropathy (Gastroparesis)
- Amputations r/t infections
- Erectile dysfunction
People with diabetes should be expected to be on what kind of medications?
- ACEIs
- ARBs
- CCBs
- low-dose diuretics
- Insulin
What are two types of complications that can occur with Diabetes? (duration)
- Long term problems usually occur because of dec blood flow
- Short term complications w type 1 DM: hypoglycemia & hyperglycemia & ketoacidosis (potentially fatal).
- Ketoacidosis occurs w/ prolonged, severe hypoglycemia. It is relatively common in type 1 but rare in type 2 DM
How is diabetes diagnosed?
- Fasting plasma glucose – at least 8 hours after last meal. Normal is < 100 mg/dl diabetes if > 126 mg/dl
- Casual plasma glucose – test at any time > 200 mg/dl but must also display signs & sx (polyuria, polydypsia, ketonuria & rapid wt. loss
- Oral glucose tolerance test – used when first 2 test not definitive. Give glucose load of 75 g of glucose & measure plasma level 2 h later. Normal is < 140 mg/dl diabetes if > 200 mg/dl
- Hemoglobin A1c – at or higher than 6.5%
For what type of patients would you use Self-monitor blood glucose?
- Type I and Type II Diabtetes patients
- This should be done before meals & hs.
What is the target blood pressure for a patient with diabetes?
- systolic < 140 mm Hg
- diastolic < 90 mm Hg
How would you prevent complications with type I diabetes?
- Diet – caloric intake should be spread throughout the day
- Exercise – inc response to insulin & inc glucose tolerance
- Insulin replacement – Since pancreas is basically not working, it produces no insulin, so daily doses of insulin are imperative to have glycemic control.
- ACE inh or ARB – helps prevent diabetic nephropathy & diabetic HTN (goal 130/80 mm/Hg)
- “Statins” – reduce high levels of LDL (prevents CV events) & should be given to all diabetic pts.
How would you prevent complications with type II diabetes?
- Glycemic control (diet & exercise) – In type 2 most pts are obese and diet & exercise can normalize insulin release & dec insulin resistance
- Glycemic control with drug tx – PO, insulin & injectable
- Initiate diet, exercise (TLC) & one drug therapy (metformin HCl)
- TLC & Add second drug (metformin plus sulfonylurea or basal insulin)
- TLC & metformin & switch from sulfonylurea or basal insulin to intensive insulin therapy
What is the 1st line drug of choice for the treatment of type II Diabetes?
Metformin
in particular for overweight & obese people and those with normal kidney function.
What is Hemoglobin A1c?
A measure of the total hemoglobin over 3 months; this value reflects the average glucose level over those 3 months.
What is the ideal level that Hemoglobin A1c should be kept at with patients with diabetes?
HbA1c < 7%
Where is insulin synthesized and how is it secreted?
- Synthesized: Insulin synthesized in the pancreas by beta cells within the islets of Langerhans
- **Secreted: **secreted by sympathetic activation of beta receptors in the pancreas.
- Main stimulus** for insulin release **is glucose but amino acids, fatty acids & ketone bodies can also stimulate release
- Activation of alpha cells in the pancreas inhibit release of insulin
What does insulin do?
- Stores and builds up energy and is good for cell growth & division by:
- stimulating cellular transport of glucose, AA, nucleotides & K+
- Insulin is converted into glycogen, AA converted into proteins & fatty acids into triglycerides
Insulin deficiency promotes hyperglycemia by what 3 ways?
- Glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen to glucose)
- Gluconeogenesis (breakdown of protein & fats to form amino acids & fatty acids).
- Reduced glucose utilization (dec cellular uptake of glucose & dec conversion from glucose to glycogen)
Insulin deficiency puts the body in catabolic state (breakdown of complex molecules into simple ones), as a result of this what occurs?
In absence of insulin glycogen is broken down into glucose (hyperglycemia), proteins into amino aicds (muscle fatigue) & fats into glycerol (glycerin) & free fatty acids (ketoacidosis from the free acid).
THIS IS WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE S/SX OF DIABETES
Severe insulin deficiency is manifested by?
- hyperglycemia
- production of ketoacids
- hemoconcentration
- acidosis & coma
How should pre-filled syringes of insulin be stored and how long are they stable?
- Pre-filled syringes store in vertical position in refrigerator.
- Stable x1 week-max 2 wks
What types of insulin are there, and what is the onset and duration for each?
- Rapid acting/Short duration (10-30min / 3-6.5hr)
- Slower acting/Short duration (30-60min / 6-10hr) regular & (15-30min / 6.5hr) exubera
- Intermediate duration (60-120min / 16-24hr)
- Long duration (70min / 24 hr)
What are some Rapid acting/Short duration insulins?
- lispro (Humalog)
- aspart (NovoLog)
- glulisine (Apidra)
What are some nursing implications of Rapid acting/Short duration insulins?
- Give with meals to control postprandial rise in glucose to control glucose between meals & HS
- If no food is given within a short perioid of time pt. will get in a hypoglycemic state.
- All of them are clear solutions –> look out for cloudiness
- All 3 require prescriptions (Insulin Lispro, Aspart & Glulisine)
- Do NOT give IV
What are some adverse effects of insulin?
- Hypoglycemia
- edema
- weight gain
What are some Slower acting/Short duration insulins?
- Humulin R (regular human insulin)
- Novolin R
- Exubera
What are some nursing implications of Slower acting/Short duration insulins?
- Humulin & Novolin R do not need an Rx to get, **except Exubera **
- SQ inj, SQ infusion, IM inj, oral inhalation & off label IV
- Only insulin given by IV
- Can be inhaled or injected AC to control postprandial hyperglycemia
- Infused SQ to provide basal glycemic control
What are some Intermediate duration insulins (NPH insulins)?
- Humulin N
- Novolin N
What are some nursing implications of Humulin N & Novolin N insulins?
- Cloudy suspension should be gently shaken b/4 administration
- Available without prescription
- The protamine component slows absorption & delays DOA
- Do not administer at mealtime but use bid between meals & at bedtime
-
Is the only long acting insulin that can be mixed with a short acting insulin
- Draw short acting insulin into syringe first to avoid contamination of NPH vial.
- If have to give a short acting & long acting insulin mix the preparations rather than inject them separately.
What are some nursing implications of Insulin Detemir (Levemir)?
- Clear colorless solution, dosed qd-bid SQ injection. Do NOT give IV nor mixed with other insulins
- Available by prescription only
- Slow onset & dose dependant DOA. At low doses(0.2 units/kg) persist about 12 h. At higher doses (0.4 units/kg) persist 20-24 h.
- Because of slow onset it is used for basal glycemic control
- It is not given before meals for postprandial hyperglycemia
- Give at same time daily
What are some long duration insulins?
Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
What are the nursing implications of Insulin Glargine (Lantus)?
- Clear colorless solution, do NOT mix with other insulins and do NOT give IV
- Long DOA 24 h, qd dosing SQ injection
- Because of long DOA and a stable steady state there is less risk of hypo or hyperglycemia.
You should Discard insulin that has any precipitate except for which type of insulin?
NPH insulins (Humulin N & Novolin N)
What are the SQ injection sights for insulin?
- upper arm, thigh (slowest) & abdomen(fastest)
What type(s) of insulin can be given IV and why is it given?
- ONLY Regular insulin can be given IV.
- Usually given for ketoacidosis or hyperkalemia
- Insulin is given to ALL pts. that have type I
In what situations would you want to supplement additional doses of insulin?
- During infection
- stress obesity
- the adolescent growth spurt
- pregnancy (after 1st trimester)
What drugs lower blood glucose when combined with insulin?
- sulfonylureas
- meglitinides
- beta blockers
- alcohol
What drugs counteract the actions of insulin & produce hyperglycemia?
- thiazide diuretics
- glucocorticoids
- sympathomimetics
What drug(s) can mask the signs and symptoms of hypoglcemia?
- Beta blockers
- (tachycardia, palpitations) & also cause further hypoglycemia by blocking glycogenolysis.
What causes hypoglycemia?
- insulin overdose
- reduced intake of food
- vomiting/diarrhea
- excess alcohol
- unaccustomed exercise
- childbirth
Hypoglycemia is defined by what blood glucose level?
< 50 mg/dl
What are the signs and symptoms of a rapidly falling blood glucose levels?
- activation of the sympathetic nervous system leading to –>
- tachycardia, palpitations, sweating, nervousness
What are the signs and symptoms of a slowly falling blood glucose levels?
HA, confusion, drowsiness & fatigue
What can be used to treat falling blood glucose levels (rapid or slow)?
- Take fast acting sugar
- glucose tablets, OJ, sugar cubes, honey, corn syrup, non diet soda
- If pt has severe hypoglycemia IV glucose is preferred
What produces glucagon and what are it’s effects?
- Glucagon is produced by alpha cells in the pancreas.
- ↑ plasma levels of glucose & relaxes smooth muscle in the GI tract.
- ↑ blood glucose levels following insulin overdose.
- It promotes breakdown of glycogen, ↓ glycogen synthesis & stimulates biosynthesis of glucose.
How can glucagon be administered?
IM, SQ & IV
What is the MOA for Sulfonylureas?
Stimulates the release of insulin from pancreas depending on how much glucose there is (insulin sensitivity) –> can lead to hypoglycemia
What are some nursing considerations for sulfonulureas?
- Only works in type 2 diabetes
- Can be used alone or in combo
- Avoid during pregnancy/nursing mothers
What are some side effects of sulfonylureas?
- Hypoglycemia (fatigue, excessive hunger, profuse sweating, palpitations)
- Weight gain
What are the Drug interactions for sulfonylureas?
- Alcohol (disulfuram rxn)
- Drugs that intensify hypoglycemia: NSAIDS’s, sufonamide antibiotics, ranitidine & cimetidine
- Beta blockers – beta rec promote insulin release & mask S/Sx of hypoglycemia
What are some 1st generation Sulfonylureas?
- Tolbutamide
- Acetoheamide
- Tolazamide
- Chloropamide
What are some 2nd generation Sulfonylureas?
Glipizide
Glyburide
Glime
What are some Metglitinides/Short-Acting Secretagogues?
- Repaglinide (Prandin)
- nateglinide (Starlix)
What is the MOA for Metgilitinides/Short-acting Secretagogues
- Stimulates the release of insulin from pancreas depending on how much glucose there is (insulin sensitivity) –> can lead to hypoglycemia
- It is glucose dependant (if no glucose no insulin is produced) pt MUST eat no longer than 30 min after drug intake
- Works exactly the same as Sulfonylureas
What are some nursing implications for Metglitinides/Short-Acting Secretagogues?
- Only approved for type 2
- If no response with sulfonylureas there will be no response with metglitinides
- Approved for monotx or combo with metformin or a glitazone
- Use this drug if pt. has allergic reaction to sulfonlureas
What are the side effects and drug interactions of Metglitinides/Short-Acting Secretagogues?
- Side effects:
- Hypoglycemia (Less than with sulfonylureas), weight gain
- Drug interactions
- Gemfibrizol (causes hypoglycemia)
What are the different types of Biguanides?
Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet)
What is the MOA for metformin?
- Dec glucose production in the liver & enhances glucose uptake & utilization by muscle.
- Does NOT promote insulin release
- Dec LDL and triglyceride levels.
What are the nursing implications for metformin?
- Because of MOA could possibly use it in pts with type 1 also
- Can be used alone or with sulfonylureas or Exenatide
- Absorbed slowly from small intestine and excreted unchanged in the kidneys (Check renal fxn, creatine cl)
What are the contraindications for metformin?
- Males with creatine clearance > 1.5
- Females with creatine clearance > 1.4
- Liver dz, severe infection, alcohol excess or pt. with shock (cause hypoxemia), alcohol use
- Heart Failure
What are the side effects of metformin?
- Weight loss, Dec appetite, nausea, diarrhea, dec absorption of vit B12 & folic acid
- can cause lactic acidosis (rare, but mortality rate of 50%) S/Sx are: hyperventilation, myalgia, malaise & unusual somnolence
What are some Type 2 Thiazolidinediones (Glitizones)?
- Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
- Pioglitazone (Actos)
What is the MOA for Thiazolidinediones (Glitizones)?
- Dec insulin resistance by inc insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle, liver & adipose tissue (cellular response to insulin inc).
- Insulin must be present for drug to work.
What are some nursing implications for Thiazolidinediones (Glitizones)?
- Only approved for type 2 DM
- Approved for monotx & for combo with metformin, sulfonylurea or insulin (carefully b/c insulin & glitizones cz edema).
What are some adverse effects of Thiazolidinediones (Glitizones)?
- Fluid retention (edema & wt gain), inc HDL, LDL and triglycerides
- Contraindicated in Class III or IV heart failure or hepatoxicity
What are the drug interactions for Thiazolidinediones (Glitizones)?
Strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (atorvastatin, ketoconazole)& inducers (Rifampin)
What are some Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
- Acarbose (Precose)
- Miglitol (Glyset)
What is the MOA for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
Dec absorption of carbohydrates, by preventing their breakdown into monosaccharides, in the small intestine. It dec the rise in glucose after a meal.
What are the nursing implications for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
Can be used in monotherapy or with insulin, sulfonylurea or metformin (try to avoid metformin & alpha-gluc together b/c of GI affects)
What are the Adverse effects for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors?
- Flatulence, cramps, abdominal distention, borborygmus (rumbling bowel sounds) & diarrhea
- Dec absorption of iron (anemia), liver dysfunction
What are some Amylin Mimetics drugs?
Pramlintide (Symlin)
What is the MOA for Amylin Mimetics?
Delays gastric emptying and suppresses glucagon secretion. Also acts to inc sense of satiety, and can thereby lower caloric intake.
What are some nursing implications for Amylin Mimetics?
- Can be used in type 1 or 2
- Used as an adjunct to insulin in type 1 & 2 in pts that have no glucose control even with insulin
- In type 2 in combo with metformin &/or a sulfonlyurea
- Peaks in 20 min after SQ injection
What are some adverse effects of Amylin Mimetics?
- Hypoglycemia (esp. when used in combo with insulin & usually develops within 3 h)
- Nausea, Injections site rxn’s
What are some drung interactions of Amulin Mimetics?
- PO drugs should be taken 1 h before injecting Pramlintide
- drugs that slow motility (anticholinergics)
- drugs that slow absorption of nutrients (acarbose, miglitol)
What are some Incretin Mimetics/ Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonist (GLP-1) durgs?
Exenatide (Byetta)
What is the MOA of Exenatide (Byetta)?
- Slows gastric emptying
- stimulates glucose-dependent release of insulin
- inhibits postprandial release of glucagon & suppresses appetite
What are some nursing implications for Incretin Mimetics/ Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists (GLP-1)?
- Give oral drugs at least 1h before Exenatide
- Used to improve glycemic control of type 2 taking metformin or a sulfonylurea
- Suppresses appetites
- Should not be used in pts with end-stage renal dz.
What are the adverse effects of Incretin Mimetics/ Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonist (GLP-1)?
Hypoglycemia esp in combo with a sulfonylurea but not w metformin
What are the drug interactions with Incretin Mimetics/ Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists (GLP-1)?
Oral contraceptives & antibiotics
Amylin Mimetics and Incretin Mimetics/ Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonist (GLP-1) are both what kind of drugs?
Injectables
What are the 5 principle actions of Thyroid hormones?
1) stimulation of energy use, which elevates basal metabolic rate resulting in inc O2 & inc heart rate production. Speeds metabolism of fats, carbs & proteins
2) stimulation of the heart, which stimulates both rate & force of contraction resulting in inc cardiac output and an inc in O2 demand.
3) promotion of growth & development during fetal stages, maturation of skeletal muscle, reproductive system, development of the brain & CNS.
4) increases the production & release of other hormones, estrogen, testosterone, insulin catecholamines (epi, NE) & glucocorticoids (esp. cortisol)
5) stimulates appetite
What would you want to educate your pt. on when taking medications for hypothyroidism?
- Educate to take only as directed
- That replacement therapy is for life
- Never discontinue without talking to provider first!
What are some characteristics of thyroid hormones?
- T3 (triiodothyronine) is the **more potent **
- The amount of T4 released is GREATER than T3. Much of the T4 undergoes conversion to T3 which counts for 80% of T3 in plasma
- 99.5% of T3 & T4 in plasma is bound to protein. So only a small amount of thyroid is free
- All thyroid hormones are protein bound to thyroxin-binding globulin (TBG)
- Half-life 1 day for T3 and 7 days for T4
- Metabolized in liver & excreted in the urine
- May produce inhibitory effects if pt. using adrenergic antagonist
When is thyroid hormone usually given?
In the morning
A thyroid over dose can cause what manifestations in the pt.?
- irritability
- insomnia
- tachycardia
- arrhythmias
- inc. blood pressure
- anxiety
- wt. loss
Thyroid hormone is a stimulant
What are the clinical manifestations of having high thyroid levels?
- Eyes = prominent
- Integumentary = fine, thin hair; hot, moist skin
- Temperature = heat intolerant
- Weight = >appetite, < weight
- Emotional = nervous, irritable, insomnia
- GI = diarrhea
What are the clinical manifestations with low thyroid levels?
- Eyes = ptosis, edematous
- Integumentary = dry, brittle hair; cold, dry skin
- Temperature = cold intolerant
- Weight = < appetite, > weight
- Emotional = lethargic, depressed, >sleep
- GI = constipation
What are some HypOthyroid Medications?
- desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)
- liothyronine (Cytomel)
- levothyroxine, L-Thyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid)
- liotrix (Thyrolar)
What are some characteristics of Armour Thyroid?
- Natural Thyroid Extract –> derived from pigs
- T3 & T4
- Animal extract, desiccated thyroid (identical to natural hormone)
- Dispensed in mg and grains (15, 30, 60 90 & 120 grains)
What are some characteristics of Levothyroxine, L-thyroxine?
- Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid (names of the drugs in this class)
- T4 rapidly converted to T3, No real advantage of combing T3 & T4. (PO, injection)
- Low cost, synthetic (minimal allergic rxn), Long DOA
- Half-life approx 7 days, PO onset 3-5 days , IV 6-8 h. Take 4-8 wks b/4 full effects of dosage adjustments can be seen.
What are some characteristics of Liothyronine?
- Drugs = Cytomel & Triostat
- Available T3 & does NOT require conversion of T4 so has faster onset of axn.
- Synthetic (minimal allergic rxn), PO & injection
- Better absorbed & more potent than levothyroxine
- Long DOA 3 days shorter DOA than levothyroxine
- Can see effects of dosage adjustments in 1 to 2 wks.
- Serum T3 fluctuates so serum level high after admin & low at end of day, because of fluctuation not recommended for maintenance.
- More cardiotoxic than levothyroxine
What are the characteristics of Liotrix?
- Drug = Thyrolar
- T4 & T3 (4:1 ratio by weight)
- Synthetic (minimal allergic rxn)
Why causes Hypothyroidism?
mild deficiency of thyroid hormone in adults
What causes Myxedema?
severe deficiency of thyroid hormone
What is Levothyroxine’s MOA?
- T4 identical to the naturally occurring hormone. T4 will be converted to T3
- Binds to rec throughout body to inc metabolic rate; stimulates protein synthesis; promotes cell growth
What are some nursing implications of Levothyroxine?
- Narrow therapeutic range, test TSH 6-8 wk after initiation of tx
- Take on empty stomach in the morning 30 min ac.
- Thyroid hormones inc cardiac responsiveness to catecholemines (epi, dopamine, dobutamine)
- Warfarin may need to be reduced if pt taking levothyroxine & warfarin
What are the pharmacokinetics of Levothyroxine?
- Variable absorption
- metabolized liver
- eliminated in bile/feces
- slow onset with long DOA
- half-life 6-7 days b/c protein bound
- full effects in 2-3 wk
- qd dosing
What are the adverse effects of Levothyroxine?
- Thyrotoxicosis (too much thyroid hormone) leading to:
- Weight loss
- palpitations
- tachycardia
- angina
- CHF
- tremors
- nervousness
- HA
- insomnia
- menstrual irregularities
- impotence
- > bowel motility
- hyperthermia
- heat intolerance & sweating
What are some drugs that decrease the absorption of levothyroxine?
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Colestipol (Colestid)
- Ca++ supplements (Tums, Os-Cal)
- Sucralfate (Carafate)
- Aluminum-containing antacids (Maalox, Mylanta)
- Iron supplements (Ferrous sulfate)
What are some drugs that accelerate the absorption of levothyroxine?
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol)
- Rifampin
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Phenobarbital
What is the treatment for hyperthyroidism?
- Antithyroid drugs (propylthiouracil (PTU), Methimazole)
- beta blocker
- exophthalmos use glucocorticoids
- Radiation or Surgery
What is the MOA for Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
Blocks thyroid synthesis by:
1) preventing oxidation of iodide by blocking peroxidase thus inhibiting iodine into tyrosine (thyroid gland)
2) Blocks conversion of T4 into T3 (peripheral tissue)
PTU does NOT destroy pre-existing thyroid hormone so it may take 3-12 wk to produce euthyroid state
What is the prefered hyperthyroid treamtent medication to use during pregnancy?
- Propylthiouracil (PTU)
- Is NOT as likely to cross placenta than methimazole.
What are the pharmacokinetics of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
- Quick onset of action 30 min to 1 h
- half life 75 min so dosing throughout day
- crosses placenta & can enter breast milk;
What are some uses for Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
- Graves disease
- adjunct to radiation tx
- suppresses thyroid hormone synthesis in preparation for thyroid surgery
- thyrotoxic crisis
What are some adverse effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
- Agranulocytosis (rare, develops quickly during 1st 2 months)
- Sore throat
- fever
- ulcerations in mouth rectum & vagina
- hypothyroidism
What are some nursing implications of Propylthiouracil (PTU)?
- Take with food
- If dose missed, take ASAP
- Store in light resistant container
- Ask pt to report the following symptoms:
- weight gain
- cold intolerance
- depression
- bruising
- bleeding
- fever
- sore throat
What is the role of calcium in the body?
Critical to skeletal, muscular, nervous and CV system function
What are some nursing implications for calcium?
- Calcium reduces absorption of thyroid hormone-must give 1 hour apart
- Never give >600 mg at one time to ensure proper absorption.
- Thiazide diuretics decrease renal calcium excretion
What are the symptoms for hypercalcemia?
- N/V
- constipation
- polyuria
- nephrolithiasis (kidney stones develop)
- lethargy
- depression
- cardiac dysrhythmias
Who is at risk for vitamin D deficiency?
- pregnant women
- obese people
- dark-skinned individuals
What are the manifestations of vitamin D deficiency?
- Rickets (children)
- osteomalacia (adults)
- both can be reversed