Module 14 - Endocrine

Question 1

Diagnostic Tests used (5)

Answer 1

Bone age (density and growth plates), Blood glucose test, Neonatal screening, thyroid function test, growth hormone test

Question 2

Causes of Growth Hormone Deficiency

Answer 2

1. Decreased or increased activity of pituitary anterior gland
2. Males more than females
3. Acquired (brain trauma, infections, radiation therapy, tumors in the pituitary)

Question 3

S+S of Growth Hormone Deficiency

Answer 3

• Stunted height - Dwarfism or gigantism

* Delayed physical milestones due to decreased muscle development

Question 4

What is Addison’s Disease? Causes?

Answer 4

Adrenal insufficiency
- Failure of adrenal cortex = low cortisol - stress response, low aldosterone (helps manage BP and fluid retention, and sodium and potassium imbalances)
•Destruction of both adrenal glands by TB, causes inflammation and destruction

Question 5

S+S of addisons disease

Answer 5

• Fatigue
• Decreased BP –
• Weight loss
• E+ imbalance
• Craving for salt

Question 6

Tx of addisons disease

Answer 6

•	Medical/surgical interventions
	IV fluids to replenish body salt
	Genetic sexual assessment
•	Steroids  
	Hydrocortisone	
	Fludrocortisol
•	High levels of steroids can depress the function of adrenal glands and they can eventually shut down
•	Need to be tapered off

Question 7

Cushing’s disease is caused by Adrenocortical hyperfunction. S+S?

Answer 7

*Think opposite of Addisons disease*
• Excessive weight gain
• Elevated blood glucose levels
• High insulin levels
• Hypertension
o	Moon face
o	Chubby cheeks & double chin
o	Fat pads over shoulders & back (buffalo hump)
(Takes 5 years to develop cushingoid appearance)

Question 8

Diabetes Insipidus S+S? Parent teaching?

Answer 8

Lack of ADH secretion; may be hereditary, or due to a tumor or head injury to the pituitary
- urine becomes extremely dilute & a great deal of fluid is lost from body
• Polyuria and polydipsia
Teaching for child/school for child
 frequent bathroom breaks needed
 Taking medication on time
 Access to water
 Potentially need to wear med alert bracelet

Question 9

What is Diabetes Mellitus? Peak incidence?

Answer 9

Chronic disease of insulin deficiency
• Most common childhood endocrine disorder
- Peak incidence (5-7 yrs and 11-13 yrs of age)

Question 10

S+S? 3 cardinal signs?

Answer 10

3 cardinal signs are polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nocturia
• Dehydration
• Weight loss and hunger