Final Endocrine Flashcards
Pituitary Gland
The master gland
Located at the base of the brain
Influenced by the hypothalamus
Directly affects function of other endocrine glands
Promotes worth of body tissue
Influences water absorption by the kidney
Controls sexual dev and function
Anterior Lobe Production (adenohypophysis)
ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic)
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
STH (somatotropic growth-stimulating hormone)
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
LH (luteninizing hormone)
PRL (prolactin)
MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone)
Posterior Lobe Production (neurohypophysis)
ADH (vasopressin, anti diuretic hormone)
Oxytocin
Anterior Pituitary disorders
Acromegaly
Giantism
Dwarfism
Posterior Pituitary Disorders
Diabetes Insipidus
SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone)
Acromegaly
The hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) by the anterior pituitary gland
Occurs in middle age after the closure of the epiphyses of the long bones
Assessment of acromegaly
Large hands and feet
Visual problems
Headaches
Hyperglycemia
Hypercalcemia
Deepened voice
Thickening and protrusion of the jaw
Increased hair growth
Joint pain
Diaphoresis
Oily, rough skin
Menstrual disturbances
Impotence
Acromegaly implementation
Provide emotional support
Encourage to express feelings related to altered body image
Provide frequent skin care
Provide pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for joint pain
Prepare client for radiation of pituitary gland if prescribed
Prepare client for hypophysectomy if planned
Giantism or gigantism
The hyper secretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland
Occurs in childhood before the closure of the epiphyses of the long bones
Giantism/Gigantism assessment
Overgrowth of long bones
Increased height in early adulthood
Deterioration of mental and physical status
Giantism/Gigantism Implementation
Provide emotional support to client & family
Encourage client and family to express related to altered body image Provide frequent
Prepared client for radiation of pituitary gland, if prepared
Prepare for hypophysectomy, if planned
Hypophysectomy
The removal of the pituitary gland
Complications of hypophysectomy
Increased ICP, bleeding, rhinorrhea, and meningitis
Post op of hypophysectomy
Similar to craniotomy care
Monitor vitals
Assess LOC
Asses neurological status
Monitor for increased ICP
Elevate to HOB
Monitor for adrenal insufficiency
And insisted corticosteroids as prescribed on time
Monitor fluids and electrolyte values
Monitor for temporary diabetes insipidus due to
antidiuretic hormone (ADH) disturbances
Avoid water intoxication
Instruct client to avoid sneezing, coughing, and
blowing nose
Instruct client in the administration of prescribed
medications
Dwarfism
The hyposecretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland
Occurs in childhood
Assessment of dwarfism
Retarded physical growth
Premature aging
Low intellectual dev
Dry skin
Poor development of secondary sex characteristics
Implementation for Dwarfism
Provide emotional support
Encourage client and family to express feelings
Prepare to admin hGH (human growth hormone)
Diabetes Insipidus
The hyposecretion of antidiuretic hormone and a deficiency of vasopressin
Results in failure of tubular reabsorption of water in the kidneys
Assessment of Diabetes Insipidus
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Dehydration
Decreased skin turn or
Inability to concentrate urine
Low urine specific gravity of 1.006 of less
Fatigue
Muscle pain and weakness
Headache
Postural hypotension
Tachycardia
Implementation of diabetes Insipidus
Monitor vital signs, neurological & cardiovascular
status
Monitor electrolyte values
Administer vasopressin (Pitressin) or DDAVP (desmopressin) as prescribed
Monitor I & O, weight, specific gravity of urine
Instruct client to avoid foods or liquids with a
diuretic-type action
Maintain intake of adequate amounts of fluids
Instruct client in administration of medications as
prescribed
Instruct client to wear Medic-Alert bracelet
Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of ADH (SIADH)
A disorder of the posterior pituitary gland in which a continued release of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) occurs
Results in water intoxication
Assessment of SIADH
Changes in LOC
Mental status changes
Weight gain
Hypertension
Signs of fluid volume overload
Tachycardia
Anorexia
Nausea and vomiting
Hyponatremia
Implementation of SIADH
Monitor vital signs
Monitor neurological status
Monitor cardiac status
Protect the client from injury
Monitor I&O
Obtain daily weights
Restrict water intake as prescribed
Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
Administer diuretics and IV fluids as prescribed
Adrenal Gland
Rests upon each kidney
Regulates sodium and electrolyte balance
Affects carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism
Influences development of sexual characteristics
Sustains “fight or flight” response
Adrenal cortex
Outer shell of adrenal gland
Synthesizes:
Glucocorticoids (cortisol)
Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
Small amounts of sex hormones (androgens, estrogens)
Adrenal Medulla
Inner core of adrenal gland
Works as part of sympathetic nervous system
Produces:
Epinephrine
Noepinephrine
Disorders of the adrenal cortex
Addison’s disease
Cushing’s syndrome
Aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)
Disorders of the adrenal Medulla
Pheochromocytoma
Addison’s disease
Hyposecretion of adrenal cortex hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids)
Fatal if left untreated
Assessment of Addison’s disease
Weakness
GI disturbances
Weight loss
Emotional disturbances
Bronze pigmentation to skin
Electrolyte imbalances
Hyponatremia
Hypokalemia
Hypotension
Hypoglycemia
Elevated BUN
Addison’s Disease Implementation
Monitor vital signs
Monitor weight and I&O
Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
Monitor for infection
Instruct client in a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
Instruct client in the avoidance of stress
Instruct client to avoid individuals with an infection
Instruct client in the need for lifelong corticosteroids
Instruct client to avoid over-the-counter medications
Instruct client to avoid strenuous exercise
Instruct client to wear a Medic-Alert bracelet
Observe for Addisonian crisis secondary to stress, infection, trauma, surgery
Addisonian Crisis
A life threatening disorder caused by acute adrenal insufficiency
It is precipitated by infection, trauma, stress or surgery
Can cause Hyponatremia, hyerkalemia, hypoglycemia and shock
Assessment of Addisonian Crisis
Severe headache
Severe abdominal, leg and lower back pain
Generalized weakness
Irritability and confusion
Severe hypotension
Shock
Implementation for Addisonian Crisis
Monitor vital signs
Monitor neurological status, noting irritability and
confusion
Monitor I&O
Administer IV fluids as prescribed to restore electrolyte balance
Administer adrenocorticosteroids as prescribed on
time schedule
Protect client from infection
Maintain bedrest and provide a quiet environment
Cushing’s Syndrome
Condition resulting from the hypersecretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal
Can result from the prolonged administration of corticosteroids
Assessment of Cushing’s Syndrome
Obesity with thin extremities
Moon face
Buffalo hump
Fragile skin that easily bruises
Hirsutism (masculine characteristics in females)
Mood swings
Muscular weakness
Signs of infection
Signs of osteoporosis
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Hyperglycemia & glycosuria
Elevated WBC
Sodium and water retention
Implementation for Cushing’s Syndrome
Monitor I&O
Monitor weight
Monitor glucose levels and urinary glucose
Provide good skin care
Allow client to discuss feelings related to body
appearance
Provide high-protein, low-calorie diet with potassium supplements
Prepare client for adrenalectomy if prescribed
Prepare client for radiation if prescribed
Administer hormone replacement therapy as
prescribed
Administer steroids as prescribed if adrenalectomy
was performed
Administer chemotherapeutic agents as prescribed
Instruct client in the administration of medications
as prescribed
Instruct client to avoid infection and, stress
Instruct client in measures for adequate nutrition and rest
Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
A hypersecretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland
Due to an adrenal lesion that is usually benign
Assessment of Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
Generalized weakness
Increased thirst, nocturia and polyuria
Edema
Weight gain
Headache
Hypertension
Positive Chvostek’s sign
Increased urinary aldosterone
Hypokalemia
Hypernatremia
Metabolic alkalosis
Implementation for Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
Monitor vital signs
Monitor weight
Monitor I&O
Assess muscular strength
Monitor for positive Chvostek’s sign
Monitor electrolytes
Maintain sodium restriction as prescribed
Administer potassium supplements as prescribed
Administer antihypertensives, such as spironolactone (Aldactone) as prescribed
Prepare client for surgical removal of tumor if prescribed
Pheochromocytoma
A catecholamine-producing tumor usually found in the adrenal gland but also may be found in the abdomen
Causes hypersecretion of the hormones of adrenal medulla and secretion of excessive amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine
Typically benign but can be malignant
Death can occur from shock, CVA, renal failure, dysrhythmias and dissecting aortic aneurism
Treatment of Pheochromocytoma
Primary treatment is surgical excision of adrenal gland
Symptomatic treatment initiated if surgical excision is not possible
Complications associated with Pheochromocytoma
Hypertensive retinopathy and nephropathy, myocarditis, CHF, increased platelet aggregation and CVA
Assessment of Pheochromocytoma
Hypertension
Headaches
Hypermetabolism
Diaphoresis
Palpitation and tachycardia
Apprehension
Emotional instability
Hyperglycemia and clycosuria
Pain the chest/abdomen
N&V
Weight loss
Fatigue and exhaustion
Implementations for Pheochromocytoma
Monitor vital signs
Monitor cardiovascular, neurological, and renal status
Monitoring for hypertensive attacks such as hypertension can precipitate a CVA or sudden blindness
Keep phentolamine (Regitine) at the bedside for hypertensive crisis
Prepare to administer an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline), as prescribed to control blood pressure
Be alert to stimuli that can precipitate a paroxysm, such as increased abdominal pressure, micturition, and vigorous abdominal palpation
Avoid opiates preoperatively as they can precipitate a hypertensive crisis
Monitor urine for glucose and acetone
Promote rest and nonstressful environment
Provide a diet high in calories, vitamins, and minerals
Prohibit caffeine-containing beverages and food