Module 2 Blueprint Flashcards
The adrenal gland is made up of what two structures
adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
The adrenal cortex secretes
corticosteroids (cortisol) and alderosterone (mineralocorticoid)
How does aldosterone work?
promotes sodium and water reabsorption and potassium excretion
Aldosterone is regulated by the?
RAAS system and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
How does the RAAS system work
renin is produced in kidneys from sodium or blood loss. renin coverts angiotensinogen into angiotensin 1, then angiotensin 2. Angiotensin II triggers the release of aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes reabsorption in the kidneys to raise plasma level
How does serum potassium level control aldosterone secretion
aldosterone is released when serum potassium is above normal. Aldosterone then enhances kidney excretion of potassium, correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances
What does cortisol affect
stress responses, metabolism, helps catecholamine function, maintenance of heart cell excitability
Describe the release of cortisol (negative feedback loop)
low blood cortisol levels –> secretion of CRH by hypothalamus –> causes pituitary to release ACTH –> ACTH releases cortisol from adrenal cortex
The adrenal medulla secretes
catecholamines
What are catecholamines
epinephrine and norepinephrine
Activation of the sympathetic nervous stem produces this response
stress response (release of catecholamines causing fight or flight)
What are the gonads
male and female reproductive glands
What are the male gonads
testes
What are the female gonads
ovaries
Function of the gonads is dormant until
puberty
How do the gonads become activated
gonadotropic hormones released by the anterior pituitary cause external genitalia and glands to mature
The testes produce what hormone
testosteroen
The ovaries produce what hormone
estrogen and progesterone
What is the hypothalamic hypophyseal portal system?
hormones produced in the hypothalamus travel directly to the anterior pituitary
the function of the hypothalamus is to produce _______ hormones
regulatory
The pituitary gland is known as the?
master gland
What two hormones are produced in the hypothalamus, but stored in the posterior pituitary?
ADH and oxytocin
Hormones of the posterior pituitary
oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH)
Hormones of the anterior pituitary
ACTH, FSH, GH, LH, MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone), PRL (prolactin), TSH
target tissues for ACTH
adrenal cortex (stimulates release of corticosteroids)
target tissues for FSH
ovary , testes (secretes estrogen and stimulates spermatogenesis)
target tissues for GH
bone and soft tissues (promotes growth)
target tissues for LH
ovary, testes (stimulates progesterone secretion and ovulation, stimulates testosterone secretion)
target tissues for MSH
melanocytes
target tissues for PRL
mammary glands (breast development and milk production)
Target tissues for TSH
thyroid
ADH controls?
fluid and electrolyte balance
What three hormones does the pancreas secrete
glucagon, insulin, somatostatin
What does glucagon do?
hormone that increases blood sugar levels as a part of glucose regulation
What does insulin do
lowers glucose by moving glucose into the cells
What does somatostatin do
inhibits the release of glucagon and insulin
What does the parathyroid gland secrete
parathyroid hormone (PTH)
PTH regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism by acting on?
bones, kidneys, and GI tract
PTH and how it works in the bone
promotes resorption (release of calcium from the bone)
PTH and how it works in the kidneys q
allows calcium to be reabsorbed back into the tubules
PTH and how it works in the intestines
in the kidneys, PTH activates vitamin D which increases absorption of calcium and vitamin d in the intestines
PTH secretion ____ when calcium is high
decreases
PTH secretion ____ when calcium is low
increases
The thyroid gland secretes what hormones
T4 and T3
Control of metabolism (protein, fat, carbohydrate) occurs through which hormones
T3 and T4
Explain the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid gland axis negative feedback loop
hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH triggers anterior pituitary to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates thyroid glands to release thyroid hormones
If t3 and t4 are high, TSH is
low
If T3 and T4 are low, TSH is
high
Dietary intake to produce thyroid hormones includes
iodine and protein
Calcitonin, released by the thyroid gland, does what
lowers serum calcium levels by reducing bone resorption
If calcium levels are high, calcitonin is
increased
If calcium levels are low, calcitonin is
decreased
Common sources of iodine
table salt, eggs, saltwater fish, seaweed, shellfish, cheese, milk, yogurt
Explain the feedback loop of insulin secretion
blood glucose levels high - insulin secreted - insulin moves glucose into cells - blood glucose levels lower
What is hypopituitarism
deficiency of one or more of the pituitary hormones
most common cause of hypopituitarism
pituitary tumor (tumor suppresses gland)
What is selective hypopituitarism
one pituitary hormone is deficient
What is panhypopituitarism
two or more pituitary hormones decreased
How does shock or severe hypotension cause hypopituitarism
reaction of blood flow to pituitary gland causes hypoxia, infarction, and reduced hormones
head trauma, brain surgery, brain infection, radiation, and AIDS can all be causes of
hypopituitarism
Symptoms of hypopituitarism caused by ACTH
low cortisol, hypoglycemia, anorexia, hyponatremia, lethargy, hypotension, headache, decreased axillary or pubic hair
Symptoms of hypopituitarism caused by FSH and LH
males: decreased body and facial hair, decreased bone density and muscle mass, decreased libido, impotence
Females: amenorrhea, breast atrophy, decreased axillary and pubic hair, low estrogen, loss of bone density, decreased libido
Symptoms of hypopituitarism caused by GH (adults)
decreased bone density, decreased muscle strength, pathologic fractures
Symptoms of hypopituitarism caused by GH in children
short stature
Symptoms of hypopituitarism caused by TSH
cold intolerance, weight gain, slow cognition, alopecia, decreased libido
Symptoms of hypopituitarism caused by vasopressin (ADH)
dehydration, increased urine, increased thirst, hypotension
What kind of therapy is required for patients that have hypopituitarism
life-long hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
What is dyspareunia, a symptom reported by women with hypopituitarism
painful intercourse
Neurologic symptoms of hypopituitarism, frequently caused by tumor growth include
changes in vision, headaches, diplopia (double vision), limited eye movement
Laboratory findings for hypopituitarism
decreased levels in blood, abnormal assessment findings
Decreased TSH, which causes hypopituitarism, is treated with?
levothyroxine
Decreased GH, which causes hypopituitarism, is treated with?
somatotropin
Men who have gonadotropin deficiency, caused by hypopituitarism is treated with?
testosterone
Women who have gonadotropin deficiency, which causes hypopituitarism, is treated with?
estrogen and progesterone
Can men with prostate cancer receive androgen therapy
NO
Women taking androgen therapy with estrogen are at increased risk of ?
hypertension, thrombosis (especially with nicotine use)
Safety considerations for clients with decreased GH:
decreased bone density can increase risk of fractures –> increased risk for falls
hyperpituitarism is most commonly caused by
adenoma
As an adenoma grows larger in the pituitary, those with hyperpituitarism can experience/
vision changes, headaches, increased ICP
Acromegaly occurs from overgrowth of what hormone?
GH
The onset of acromegaly is usually
gradual (easily missed until late stages)
Symptoms of acromegaly
enlarged face, hands, feet, coarse facial features, increased head size, protruding jaw, joint pain, vision changes, voice changes, thick lips, sleep apnea
During acromegaly, we can see hypertrophy of the soft tissue such as the
tongue, skin, and visceral organs
Complications from acromegaly can occur when these organs become enlarged
heart, liver, lungs
Symptoms of acromegaly in children result in
gigantism
Why can those with acromegaly experience voice changes
hypertrophy of vocal cords
With acromegaly, will blood glucose be high or low
high
Cushings disease, a type of hyperpituitarism, occurs from overgrowth of what hormone
ACTH
Excess ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex, so we have excessive production of what hormones
corticosteroids, mineralosteroids, androgens (this leads to bushings)
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome (a type of hyperpituitarism)
elevated cortisol, moon face, buffalo hump, purple striae, truncal obesity, weight gain, hypertension, hyperglycemia
Hypersecretion of PRL, a type of hyperpituitarism, has symptoms such as
sexual dysfunction, menstrual changes , decreased libido, painful intercourse
What is a growth hormone suppression test used for
acromegaly
Describe the growth hormone suppression test
oral glucose is given. if GH levels do not fall below 5ng/mL we have a positive test.
X-rays may be used to assess hyperpituitarism because it can see
bone
CT/MRI may be used to assess hyperpituitarism because it can see
pituitary gland itself
What medications can be used to treat acromegaly
dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs, growth hormone receptor blockers
What do dopamine agonists do?
inhibit growth hormone
What are the dopamine agonists?
bromocriptine mesylate, cabergoline
Adverse reactions of dopamine agonists
CP, dizziness, watery nasal drainage (CSF leak)
How does somatostatin analogs work
inhibit growth hormone
What are the somatostatin analogs?
ocreotide , lanreotide
What is the growth hormone receptor blocker
pegvisomant
Client education for dopamine agonists
notify provider immediately if CP, dizziness, or water nasal drainage occurs
Surgical management of hyperpituitarism includes
hypophysectomy (removal of tumor)
Pre-surgical education for hypophysectomy
-nasal packing may be present 2-3 days
-do not cough, brush teeth, sneeze, blow nose, or bend over after surgery
What can coughing, sneezing, blowing nose, or bending over cause after hypophysectomy
increased cranial pressure, increased risk of CSF leak
Operative procedure during hypophysectomy
transphenoidal approach or transnasal approach. General anesthesia. Nasal packing with transphenoidal and mustache dressing.
Post operative interventions for hypophysectomy
neurochecks q h first 24 h –> then q 4
-mental status, altered LOC, pupillary response
monitor I & O
teach to report increased swallowing
teach to report post nasal drip
encourage deep breathing q h
monitor infection/meningitis
good oral care (mw and floss)
decreased smell 3-4 months
Presence of glucose in nasal drainage may indicate
CSF
presence of yellow halo sign in nasal drainage will indicate
CSF
Increased swallowing my indicate
CSF
S/S of meningitis we should monitor for after hypophysectomy
headache, fever, muscle rigidity
Straining while having a bowel movement, after hypophysectomy, can increase risk for
ICP
How long should our patients avoid brushing teeth after hypophysectomy ?
2 weeks
Treatment for CSF leak
bedrest (unless surgery is indicated)
What medications are used to treat cushings syndrome
ketoconazole , mitotane
Client education for ketoconazole
relief is temporary (findings will return after medication stops), take with food, can cause nausea vomiting fatigue
Risk factors for acromegaly
adult, pituitary tumors
Risk factors for cushings
females ages 20-40
laboratory tests used for Cushing’s syndrome
blood cortisol levels (elevated), ACTH (elevated), salivary cortisol (elevated), glucose and sodium levels (elevated), potassium and calcium levels (decreased) WBC levels (decreased)
Nursing care for Cushing’s syndrome
monitor I&O, monitor signs of hypervolemia, maintain safety due to pathological fractures, monitor for infections
Cushings syndrome can cause suppression of?
immune system and inflammatory response
Cushings syndrome can cause osteoporosis, so it is important to monitor our patients for
osteoporosis and their safety (due to fall risk)
Because of the suppressed immune system, people with Cushings syndrome are at risk of
frequent infections, delayed wound healing
Causes of hyperthyroidism include
Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, toxic nodular goiter, exogenous hyperthyroidism, adenoma
What functions does the thyroid control in the adult
metabolism, tissue use of fats proteins and carbs, increased RBC, RR rate and drive
When TH is high TSH is
low
When TH is low TSH is
high
How does hyperthyroidism cause hypertension
increase cardiac output –> increase blood flow –> increase BP
What does primary hyperthyroidism mean
caused by the thyroid itself secreting too many hormones
Secondary hyperthyroidism is caused by
hypothalamus or pituitary gland secreting too much TSH
What is Grave’s disease
autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies attack the thyroid causing increase in hormone production
What specific changes occurs with Grave’s disease
exopthalamus (abnormal protruding of eyes) and pretibial myxedema
What is pretibial myxedema
dry, waxy swelling of the lower legs
symptoms of hyperthyroidism
irritability, weakness, heat intolerance, weight loss, diaphoresis, increased appetite, diarrhea, thin silky hair, goiter (common with graves), bruit over thyroid gland, tachycardia, dyspnea, amenorrhea, increased systolic BP, bulging eyes
Changes in vision can occur with hyperthyroidism. What will these changes look like
blurry vision, double vision, eye fatigue, eyelid lag
Which lab value is the greatest indicator of graves disease
thyrotropin receptor antibodies
What should the nurse monitor for patients with hyperthyroidism
apical pulse, blood pressure, and temperature every four hour
Why is it vital to monitor and report temperature
can indicate patient is moving into thyroid storm (even one degree difference is bad)
We should instruct patients with hyperthyroidism to report symptoms such as
palpitations, dyspnea, vertigo, chest pain
Reducing stimulation is good for our clients with hyperthyroidism because it
promotes rest and reduces cardiac problems
what are ways we can reduce stimulation in our clients
rest, dim lights, limit, time in room, limit visitors, close door, turn off monitors
What are ways we can increase comfort for our clients with hyperthyroidism/ graves disease
ice water, cold showers, turning down thermostat
What drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism
pheoinomides (methimazole, propylthiouracil) , radioactive iodine
How does methimazole and propylthiouracil work
inhibits TH by preventing iodine from binding to thyroid gland
Nursing implications for hyperthyroid drugs
-teach patients to avoid crowds/other risks of infeciton
-monitor weight and HR (hypothyroidism)
-methimazole should not be used during pregnancy
-propylthiouracil can cause liver toxicity
-monitor CBC
What drugs can be used for supportive care with hyperthyroidism
beta blockers (to reduce HR, palpitations)
Describe Lugol’s solution, a treatment for hyperthyroidism
short term treatment before surgery
-reduces blood flow to thyroid which reduces hormone production
Why do patients with hyperthyroidism require ultrasound
determines thyroid size and assesses any masses or nodules q
Why would a patient with hyperthyroidism require EKG
see dysrhythmias, palpitations, fibrillations
What is radioactive iodine therapy
-treatment for hyperthyroidism
-thyroid picks up the RAI and some of the cells producing TH are destroyed by radiation
How long can radioactive iodine therapy take to be fully effective
6-8 weeks
Education for patient receiving radioactive iodine therapy
sit to urinate, flush 2-3 times with lid closed, avoid pregnant women children and infants for at least a week , stay away 6 feet, do not share toothbrushes utensils etc
What is thyroid crisis
acute attack with severe hyperthyroid symptoms
Thyroid storm is usually triggered by
stress (like pregnancy, infection, DKA, trauma)
Why is it not best practice to palpate a goiter
can cause thyroid storm Q
Key symptoms of thyroid storm include
pyrexia, tachycardia, delirium, seizures, coma
Nursing implications for patient during a thyroid storm
-maintain patent airway
-iv fluids NS
-BB
-monitor for dysrhythmias
-monitor vital signs every 15-30 minutes
Even after a thyroidectomy, it is a safety priority to monitor temperature because
thyroid crisis can still occur
What is a subtotal thyroidectomy
removal of part of the thyroid , may not require supplemental therapy afterwards