Module 13 Flashcards
Important Endocrine Glands
Pituitary Adrenal Thyroid Parathyroid Pancreas Ovaries Testes
Exocrine
secretes hormones into ducts
Endocrine
secretes hormones into the blood
What sort of gland is the Pancreas?
both exo and endocrine
It releases glucose and insulin into the blood, and pancreatic enzymes and bicarb through the pancreatic duct
Main Functions of Hormones and the Endocrine System
Maintenance and Regulation of Vital Functions
Responses to stress and injury
Growth and development
Energy metabolism
Reproduction
Fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance
What is the Hypothalamic-Hypophysial Portal Systme?
Hypophysial = Relating to Pituitary
Portal System = Means of transporting from one place to another
Hypothalamus regulates the anterior pituitary to release hormones to a gland far away
What occurs if there is not enough of some hormone in a far away gland?
the hypothalamus will release hormones down the nerve track to the anterior pituitary. Specific hormones at the ant.pit. will react to the tropic hormone signalling and release to a gland far away
The HHP System is a ___ Tiered system of hormone release
3
hypothalamus hormone, ant.pit hormone, far away gland action hormone
HPT Axis
Hypothalamus and Thyroid Gland Axis
HPA Axia
Hypothalamus and Adrenal Gland Axis
The Posterior Pituitary Gland releases what hormones?
ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)
Oxytocin
The Anterior Pituitary Gland releases what hormones?
Prolactin (LTH)
Growth Hormone (GH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (ZTSH)
Adenohypophysis
Anterior Pituitary
Neurohypophysis
Posterior Pituitary (it is called neuro since hormones go straight down nerve tracks)
What is the “Master Gland”
The Pituitary Gland
Where is the pituitary gland ?
Base of the brain
What influences the pituitary gland?
the hypothalamus
What does the pituitary gland do?
It releases hormones
Directly affects function of other endocrine glands
promotes growth of body tissues
influences water absorption by the kidney
controls sexual development and function
Major anterior pituitary disorders?
Acromegaly
Giantism
Dwarfism
Major posterior pituitary disorders?
Diabetes insipidus
SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone)
____ released by the hypothalamus inhibits GH release?
Somatostatin
Tropic Hormone
hormone that has other endocrine glands as their target
ex: GHRH
What causes Acromegaly
The HYPERsecretion of GH by the ant.pit
An ant.pit. adenoma (non cancerous) could direct GH with somatostatin being unable to counter regulate it
When does acromegaly occur
in middle age after hypophyseal plates/epiphyses of long bones close
S/S of Acromegaly
HYPERGLYCEMIA
HYPERCALCEMIA (rare)
Headaches, Diplopia, Lethargy, Blindness, Goiters
Large Hands and Feet
Visual Problems
Deepened Voice
Thickening and Protrusion of the Jaw
Increased hair growth
Joint pain
Diaphoresis
Oily, rough skin
Menstrual Disturbances
Impotence
Potential blindness
Difficulty chewing
Gait changes
Damage to internal organs and joints
Enlarged but weak skeletal muscles
Females feel male
Why does hyperglycemia occur in acromegaly?
GH is responsible for high blood glc levels, so as it is an accompanying stress hormone - more glc is released in the blood
Why does hypercalcemia occur in acromegaly?
It is rare, but does happen in conjunction with hyperparathyroidism and hypothyroidism
What disease did Lou Ferigno have?
Acromegaly
What are the 2 types of adenoma that can cause acromegaly?
- A toothpaste like adenoma on the pituitary that is easy to scrape off but difficult to get it all
- A ropey one that can easily have all of it removed, but could take other tissues with it that it should not
What might a pituitary adenoma causing Acromegaly cause if removed?
Increased hormone release (ex: Prolactin release increasing breast size)
How to care/implementation for Acromegaly Patients?
Provide emotional support
Encourage client 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 is prescribed
Prepare client for hypophysectomy if planned
Hypophysectomy
surgical removal of the pituitary gland
What causes Giantism/Gigantism
HYPERsecretion of GH by the anterior pituitary gland
When does Giantism/Gigantism occur?
Occurs in childhood before the closure of the epiphyses of the long bones
What is the major different between Acromegaly and Giantism?
Acromegaly occurs in mid-age, while giantism occurs in childhood (post versus pre plate closure)
S/S of Giantism
Children with:
Overgrowth of long bones
Increased height in early adulthood
Deterioration of mental and physical status (GH has a negative effect on brain, muscle, and bone development so the children are huge but not necessarily smarter or stronger)
How to care/implementation for Giantism Patients?
Provide emotional support to client and family
Encourage client and family to express feelings related to altered body image
Prepare client for radiation of pituitary gland, if prescribed
Prepare client for hypophysectomy, if planned
Potential complications occurring from a Hypophysectomy
increased ICP
bleeding
rhinorrhea
meningitis
The first and most reliable sign of a change in ICP …
decrease in consciousness
How can you tell if the post-hypophysectomy patient’s drainage is CSF and not nasal?
- The glucose content is different
2. CSF dries with a yellow halo
What to do post-operative for a hypophysectomy?
Initiate post-op care similar to craniotomy care
Monitor Vitals
Assess LOC and neurologic status
Monitor for increased ICP, bleeding, and adrenal insufficiency
Elevate HOB
Administer corticosteroids as prescribed on time
Monitor fluids and electrolyte values
Monitor for temporary diabetes insipidus due to ADH disturbances
Avoid water intoxication
Instruct client to AVOID sneezing, coughing, and blowing nose
Instruct client in administration of prescribed medications
Why do we give corticosteroids following a hypophysectomy?
ACTH is no longer there since Ant.Pit is gone which means cortisol (stress hormone) cannot release - and since surgery is a stressor we must administer this
A lot of what is needed following a hypophysectomy?
medications
Dwarfism
HYPOsecretion of GH by the AntPit
When does dwarfism occur?
In childhood
We follow a growth chart, and if they are behind we can administer GH when caught early to help prevent this
Is dwarfism chromosomally based?
no its hyposecretion of GH
S/S of Dwarfism
Retarded physical growth
Premature aging
Low intellectual development
Dry skin
Poor development of secondary sex characteristics
How to care/implementation for Dwarfism patients?
Provide emotional support to client and family
Encourage client and family to express feelings related to altered body image
Prepare to administer hGH (human growth hormone)
What is/causes Diabetes Insipidus?
PostPit issue with HYPOsecretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)/a deficiency in vasopressin
It causes a failure in tubular reabsorption of water in the kidneys
Without ADH what will happen?
a lot of water will leave as urine
tons of urinary output
S/S of Diabetes Insipidus
Polyuria (4-24L per day)
Polydipsia
Dehydration
Decreased skin turgor, dry mucus membranes
Inability to concentrate urine
A low urinary specific gravity of 1.006 or less (dilute urine close to water)
Fatigue
Muscle pain and weakness
Headache
Postural hypotension
Tachycardia
Why does tachycardia occur with diabetes insipidus?
its a compensatory mechanism for low blood pressure
Why does fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, headaches, etc occur with diabetes insipidus?
excessive urinary output causes electrolyte imbalances
Polydipsia
abnormally great thirst as part of a disease
ex: dehydration from diabetes insipidus leads to more urination and triggering thirst mechanisms causing this in patients
How to care/implementation for Diabetes insipidus patients?
Monitor vitals, neurological and cardiovasc status
Monitor electrolyte values
Administer vasopressin (Pitressin) or DDAVP (desmopressin) as prescribed
Monitor I and 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
The best measure of fluid balance in the body is…
daily weight
What is/causes SIADH?
Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH
PostPit disorder with CONTINUTED release of ADH
It leads to water intoxication
HYPER-ADH
What occurs with SIADH?
Water stays in the circulatory system and displaces into cells, which can lead to water intoxication and cerebral swelling leading to LOC changes
S/S of SIADH
Change in LOC
Mental status changes
weight gain
HYPERTENSION
signs of fluid volume overload
Tachycardia
Anorexia
Nausea and vomiting
HYPONATREMIA
Why does anorexia occur with SIADH
because the vessels around the digestive tract fill with fluid and make you not hungry
The cation with the greatest volume in the blood of any electrolyte is .;.
sodium (so Hyponatremia is very important to monitor)
SIADH symptoms can look like …
heart failure since they have fluid buildup
How to care/implementation for SIADH patient?
FLUID RESTRICTION ORDERS!!!
Monitor vitals, neuro status, cardiac status
Protect client from injury
Monitor I and O
Obtain daily weights
Restrict water intake as prescribed
Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
Administer diuretics and Iv fluids as prescribed
Why do we give SIADH patients 3% saline rather than the normal 0.9%?
This is considerably higher to get raw fluid back into the vascular system, and then we also give a diuretic after to eliminate fluid in urine to decrease change of fluid overload affecting the heart
Location of the Adrenal Glands
One per kidney, resting on top of each kidney (Add Renal - Adrenal)
Important functions of the Adrenal Gland
Regulate sodium and electrolyte balance
Affect carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism
Influences development of sexual characteristics
Sustains “fight or flight” response
What hormones do the adrenal glands release?
Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids
Sex Hormones (Androgen, Estrogen)
EP and NEP (Catecholamines)
Adrenal Cortex
Outer shell of the adrenal gland
Synthesizes: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and secretes small amounts of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens)
Adrenal medulla
Inner core of the adrenal gland working as part of the SYMPATHETIC nervous system
Produces NEP and EP
Disorders of the Adrenal Cortex
Addison’s disease
Cushing’s syndrome
Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
Disorder of the Adrenal Medulla
Pheochromocytoma
Without glucocorticoids, you will become …
hypoglycemic (since they cause glc release)
Without aldosterone you will become …
Hyponatremic, Hypovolemic, Hyperkalemic
(this holds sodium and water follows, so without you lose sodium and accompanying fluid, but also now hold onto potassium leaving dangerous hyperkalemia for the gut and heart)
What is/causes Addison’s Disease
HYPOsecretion of adrenal cortex hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids)
The hyposecretion can be due from various reasons
If untreated, it is fatal
Example of a Mineralcorticoid
aldosterone
Example of a Glucocorticoid
Cortisol
JFK had…
Addison’s Disease
S/S of Addison’s Disease
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
Hypotension
Hypoglycemia
Elevated BUN
Weakness
GI disturbances
emotional disturbances
weight loss
bronze pigmentation to the skin
electrolyte imbalances
sudden death if untreated
Classic symptom of addisons disease is …
Bronze pigmentation of skin from stimulation of melanocytes
Elevated BUN in Addisons disease indicates …
dehydration
Reasons for Addison’s Disease
- Auto Immune Addisons - body attacks itself
- TB Addison’s - Tuberculosis in adrenal glands leads to hyposecretion
- Iron overload Addisons - too much iron buildup/overload leads to malfunction
The typical hormonal pathway for cortisol release is …
CRH from Hypothalamus –> ACTH from AntPit –> Cortisol from Adrenal Gland
Cortisol then negatively feedback to pituitary and CRH
Stimulation test
ACTH stim test where you give a dose of ACTH and try to determine whether they have primary, secondary, or tertiary insufficiency
ACTH is ___ ___ so you may need to give 2 doses to do the stimulation test
slow response
If there is an increase in cortisol following stimulation test of the second dose …
it is a SECONDARY problem (not primary, since the adrenal gland could be stimulated by ACTH)
If there is no increase in cortisol following stimulation test of second dose…
There is a PRIMARY problem (since adrenal gland is not working)
If there is no reaction to ACTH or Cortisol at all in the stimulation test…
it is a tertiary problem with CRH and the hypothalamus
Most commonly, adrenal insufficiency is usually …
primary (from adrenal gland issues)
How to care/implementation for Addison’s Disease patients
Monitor vitals, weight, I&O, infection
Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
Instruct client in high protein/high carb diet, to avoid stress, avoid individuals with infection, the need for lifelong corticosteroids, in over the counter med use, to avoid strenuous exercise, to wear a medic alert bracelet
Observe for Addisonian crisis secondary to stress, infection, trauma, and surgery
What happens to ACTH and CRH levels in primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency?
Primary: ACTH and CRH increase due to negative feedback of low cortisol
Secondary: CRH increases due to negative feedback of low cortisol and ACTH
Cortisol plays a vital role in ___, so its very important to consider this with …
infection; Addison Disease patients who cannot make cortisol
(it depresses the immune system and prevents release of substances that cause inflammation during acute stress - when the stressor is resolved the immune system can resume)
We often get sick after finals week because …
the cortisol levels for stress lower finally, allowing the immune system to resume
Addisonian Crisis
A life threatening disorder caused by acute adrenal insufficiency
It is precipitated by infection, trauma, stress or surgery on an person with Addison’s Disease (anything that increases stress hormones)
What can (S/S) Addisonian Crisis cause?
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
Hypoglycemia
Shock
Severe headache
Severe abdominal, leg, and lower back pain
Generalized weakness
Irritability and confusion
Severe hypotension
How to care/implementation for Addisonian crisis?
Monitor vitals
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
What is/causes Cushing’s Syndrome
HYPERsecretion of glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex
Opposite of Addison’s Disease
can result from the prolonged administration of corticosteroids (exogenous administration for another disease)
2 Types of Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Syndrome)
ACTH Independent (Iatrogenic Cushings Syndrome)
ACTH Dependent (Cushings Disease Pituitary Adenoma)
Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome (ACTH Independent)
Independent since cortisol release/gain is separate from ACTH release
Can either be from exogenous steroid use feedback to stop the pituitary, OR a tumor that directs high cortisol levels which feedback
ACTH and Hypothalamus will release less
Cushing’s Disease Pituitary Adenoma (ACTH Dependent)
Dependent since cortisol release/gain is dependent now on amount of ACTH
Can either be a tumor of the pituitary causing excessive ACTH which leads to cortisol release in the adrenal gland, or ectopic ACTH dependence from a lung tumor producing an ACTH like substance leading to cortisol release
Most common cause of Hypercortisolism (Cushings)
Dependent Pituitary Adenoma that leads to a lot of ACTH and thus a lot of cortisol
Secondary to this, a tumor can form on the adrenal gland leading to massive cortisol and aldosterone release leading to water and sodium retention indicative of bloating in Cushings disease
Ectopic ACTH Dependent Hypercortisolism (Cushings)
ACTH like substance comes from Lung tumor leading to cortisol release
ectopic since its coming from somewhere else but still cortisol is dependent on ACTH
S/S Of Cushing’s Syndrome
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Hyperglycemia
Glycosuria
Obesity with thin extremities
Moon face
buffalo hump
fragile skin that easily bruises
Hirsutism
mood swings
muscular weakness
signs of infection or osteoporosis
elevated WBC
sodium and water retention
fast gain and redistribution of fat leading to striation
Cortisol causing some osteoporosis and preventing bone formation
Suicidal tendencies from body image issues