Med-Surg: Chapter 42: Coordinating Care for Patients with Adrenal Disorders

Question 1

Adrenal gland

Answer 1

• located on top of each kidney
• 5cm long, 1-cm thick, 3 cm wide
• has an inner core, medulla, and a thick outer covering (the cortex), with distinct endocrine functions

Question 2

What does the Adrenal Cortex secrete?

Answer 2

• glucocorticoids (cortisol)
• mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
• sex hormones (androgens and estrogens)

Question 3

Cortisol

Answer 3

primary glucocorticoid

• actions include carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism
• suppression of the immune response
• control of the body’s stress response

Question 4

Aldosterone

Answer 4

primary mineralocorticoid

-action is to promote sodium and water reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys

Question 5

Overview of Adrenal Cortex

Answer 5

> Hormone: Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)

• Targets: Liver
• Action: promotes gluconeogenesis (increasing blood glucose)

> Hormone: Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)

• Targets: Cells in the Body
• Action:
• decreases glucose use
• promotes protein catabolism
• promotes fat synthesis

> Hormone: Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)

• Targets: Bone Marrow
• Action: suppresses inflammatory response

> Hormone: Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)

• Targets: Distal tubules and collecting ducts in the kidneys
• Action: promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion by the kidneys

Question 6

Overview of The Adrenal Medulla

Answer 6

> Hormone: Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)

• Targets: cells of the body
• Action: mimics actions of the sympathetic nervous system