Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance - Endocrine Flashcards
Check for method of handling hormone test samples
note tube type, timing, drugs to be administered as part of the test, etc
Patient education about test
explain procedure and any restrictions to the patient
If you are drawing blood sample from a line
clear the IV line thoroughly; do not use a double- or triple-lumen line to obtain samples
If drug is prescribed for the test
Emphasize the importance of taking drug on time; tell pt to set alarm if the drug is to be taken at night
Urine collection
instruct pt to begin the urine collection by first emptying his or her bladder; do not save this urine; note time and plan to collect all urine from this time until the end of the collection period
To end urine collection
empty his or her bladder at the end of the timed period and add that to the collection
Storage and handling
is preservative needed (add to beginning), does sample need to be kept cold (place the container in cooler with ice)
Hormone replacement for acute adrenal insufficiency
Start rapid infusion of NS or D5NS; hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100-300 mg or dexamethasone 4-12 mg as IV bolus; 100 mg hydrocortisone sodium succinate via IV over next 8 hrs; hydrocortisone 50 mg IM every 12 hrs; H2 histamine blocker IV for ulcer prevention
Hyperkalemia management for acute adrenal insufficiency
administer insulin with dextrose in NS to shift K+ into cells; admin K+ binding and excreting resin; give loop or thiazide diuretics; avoid K+-sparing diuretics; initiate K+ restriction; monitor input/output; monitor HR, rhythm, and ECG for manifestations of hyperkalemia
Hypoglycemia management for acute adrenal insufficiency
administer IV glucose; administer glucagon; maintain IV access; monitor blood glucose hourly
Causes of primary adrenal insufficiency
autoimmune disease, TB, metastatic cancer, fungal lesions, AIDS, hemorrhage, gram-negative sepsis, adrenalectomy, abdominal radiation therapy, drugs and toxins
Causes of secondary adrenal insufficiency
pituitary tumors, postpartum pituitary necrosis, hypophysectomy, high-dose pituitary radiation, high-dose whole-brain radiation
Adrenal gland hypofunction history
changes in activity level, salt intake, anorexia, N/V, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, radiation to abdomen or head, and past and current drugs
Neuromuscular manifestations of adrenal insufficiency
muscle weakness, fatigue, joint/muscle pain
GI manifestations of adrenal insufficiency
anorexia, N/V, abdominal pain, bowel changes, weight loss, salt craving
Skin manifestations of adrenal insufficiency
vitiligo, hyperpigmentation
Cardiovascular manifestations of adrenal insufficiency
anemia, hypotension, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia
Psychosocial manifestations of adrenal insufficiency
lethargy, depression, confusion, psychotic, fearful
Increased lab values in adrenal insufficiency
potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, BUN, eosinophil, ATCH
Decreased lab values in adrenal insufficiency
sodium, glucose, cortisol, urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids
Nursing interventions for adrenal insufficiency
daily weight, intake/output, VS every 1-4 hrs, monitor lab values
Correction of cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies
hydrocortisone corrects glucocorticoid deficiency; mineralcorticoid hormone may be needed to maintain electrolyte balance
Hypersecretion by the adrenal cortex results in
hypercortisolism, Hyperaldosteronism, or excessive androgen production
Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Disease)
exaggerated secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex; caused by problem in adrenal cortex, anterior pituitary gland, or hypothalamus; glucocorticoid therapy can also lead to hypercortisolism
Causes of endogenous secretion (Cushing’s Disease)
bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, pituitary adenoma increasing the production of ACTH, malignancies (carcinomas of the lung, GI tract, pancreas), and adrenal adenomas or carcinomas
Hypercortisolism patient history
health problems, drug therapies, age, gender, usual weight, changes in activity, sleep patterns, fatigue, and muscle weakness, bone pain, fractures, frequent infections, easy bruising, menses, and ulcer formation
General appearance of hypercortisolism
fat redistribution (moon face, buffalo hump, truncal obesity), weight gain
Cardiovascular manifestations of hypercortisolism
hypertension, increased risk for thromboembolic events, frequent dependent edema, capillary fragility (bruising, petechiae)
Musculoskeletal manifestations of hypercortisolism
muscle atrophy, osteoporosis (pathologic fractures, decreased height with vertebral collapse, aseptic necrosis of the femur head, slow or poor healing of bone fractures)
Skin manifestations of hypercortisolism
thinning skin, striae, increased pigmentation
Immune system manifestations of hypercortisolism
increased risk for infection, decreased immune function, decreased inflammatory responses, decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, histamine, and prostaglandins, manifestations of infection/inflammation may be masked
Psychosocial manifestations of hypercortisolism
emotional instability, mood swings, irritability confusion, depression, inappropriate laughter or crying, difficulty concentrating, neurotic or psychotic behavior, sleep difficulties, and fatigue
Increased lab values in hyperfunction of adrenal gland
sodium, glucose, cortisol, ACTH (pituitary Cushing’s)
Decreased lab values in hyperfunction of adrenal gland
potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, ACTH (adrenal Cushing’s)
Causes of exogenous administration (Cushing’s Syndrome)
therapeutic use of ACTH or glucocorticoids (most commonly used for asthma, autoimmune disorders, organ transplantation, cancer chemo, allergic responses, chronic fibrosis
Patient safety for hypercortisolism
prevent fluid overload from becoming worse; monitor for increased fluid overload (bounding pulse, increasing neck vein distention, lung crackles, increasing peripheral edema, reduced urine output); use pressure-reducing or pressure-relieving overlay on mattress; assess skin pressure areas; change positions every 2 hrs
Drug therapy for hypercortisolism
aminoglutethimide, metyrapone, cyproheptadine, mitotane
Nutrition therapy for hypercortisolism
restrictions of fluid and sodium
Radiation therapy for hypercortisolism
not always effective; often destroys normal tissue; monitor for changes in the pts neurologic status
Surgical therapy for hypercortisolism
removal of pituitary adenoma, hypophysectomy, or adrenalectomy
Preop care
balance and monitor electrolytes; control hyperglycemia; at risk for infections and fractures, monitor for safety; high-calorie, high protein diet; glucocorticoid preparation
Postop care
assess for shock; monitor VS, hemodynamic variables, intake/output, daily weight, serum electrolytes; glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid replacement
Preventing skin injury for hypercortisolism
instruct pt to avoid activities that can result in skin trauma, use a soft toothbrush and electric shaver; keep skin clean and dry, use moisturizing lotion; us tape sparingly; exert pressure over puncture site longer than normal to prevent bleeding and bruising