Module 7 Endocrine Flashcards
What are the general functions of the endocrine system?
•a role in reproductive & CNS development in the fetus
•stimulating growth & development during childhood & adolescence
•sexual reproduction
•maintaining homeostasis
•Responding to emergency demands
What are the glands of the endocrine system?
-Hypothalamus
-pituitary
-thyroid
-parathyroid
-adrenals
Non really tested:
-pancreas
-ovaries
-testes
-pineal
What do glands do?
Make and release Hormones
Structure of hormones
-secretions in small amounts at variable but predictable rates
-regulated by a feedback system
-non-target (non specific) vs target (specific)
What are the H20 soluble (protein based) hormones?
•prolactin (nursing/breast milk)
•oxytocin (binding hormone- mood; contractions in pregnancy)
•growth hormone
•insulin & glucagon
•leptin- fat production
What are the lipid soluble (cholesterol based)
•testosterone & estrogen (sex hormones)
•cortisol (stress response)
Explain the role of the hypothalamus
•interrelationship w/the pituitary by releasing substances to stimulate or inhibit hormones of pituitary gland (they work together)
•also responsible for coordinating expressions like fear, anger, and pleasure
Explain the role of the pituitary gland
•hormones associated = T3 & T4
-Anterior:
•regulated by the hypothalamus
•secretes the tropic hormones, •secretes growth hormone, prolactin
-posterior:
•secretes ADH (fluid volume deficit)
•secretes oxytocin
Explain the role of the pineal gland
•located in the brain
•primary function: secrete melatonin
•helps regulate circadian rhythm & the reproductive system at the start of puberty.
night shift jobs may interfere with getting pregnant because the hormones are out of whack
Explain the role of the thyroid gland
•HIGHLY VASCULAR*
•located in the anterior part of the neck
•Thyroid hormones:
-thyroxine (T3)
-Triiodothyronine (t4)
-calcitonin (released when there’s too much Calcium in the blood)
Too much hormone leads to disorders/enlarged glands
Explain the parathyroid gland
When thyroid is high or low this gland kicks in to help regulate
•typically 2 pairs (4 total) behind thyroid gland
•major role to regulate calcium *
•PTH promotes calcium reabsorption the kidneys, promotes phosphate excretion, stimulates transfer from bone to blood, stimulates conversion of vitamin D to active form, leading to absorption in G.I. tract
Explain Adrenal gland function
Regulates off cholesterol*
•each gland has 2 parts: medulla & cortex
-medulla: secretes catecholamines
-cortex: secretes several steroid hormones:
•Glucocorticoids (most abundant/potent, glucose metabolism, anti-inflammatory)
•mineralocorticoids (aldosterone, promotes renal absorption, regulate sodium/K+)
•Androgens
Explain pancreatic structure
•responsible for insulin**
•has both endocrine & exocrine functions
•secretes 4 different types of secreting cells:
- “a” cells: make & secrete Glucagon
- “B” cells: make & secrete insulin
- “Delta” cells: secretes somatostatin (also has glucose control)
- “F” cells: secrete pancreatic polypeptide
What are gerontological considerations for endocrine system?
• decreased hormone production and secretion
• altered form on metabolism and biological activity
• decreased responsiveness of target tissues to hormones
• changes in circadian rhythms (less sleep)
• symptoms of endocrine issues in elderly may be perceived as normal aging changes (incorrect)
Explain SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) & symptoms
• Caused by over-production of ADH
• increased GFR /decreased sodium (dilution)
•S/S: low urine output, increased body weight, thirst, dyspnea, fatigue, hyponatremia symptoms (cerebral Edema seizure precaution)
Nursing management of SIADH
•fluid restriction
•daily weights
•I&O
Tx: if mild (Na over 125 mEq/L, they only need fluid restriction 800 -1000 mL/day
Severe: HYPER-tonic fluids
Meds:
•lasix (Furosemide -diuretic)
•conivaptan (vaprisol) & tolvaptan (samsca) Blocks activation of ADH from releasing raises sodium levels to try to balance the problem
HOB: flat, no more than 10°. Heart will regulate the problem to decrease ADH. 
Explain Diabetes Insipidus
•urine odorless/tasteless
•increased sodium/concentrated urine
• under production of ADH or decreased renal response to ADH
• usually acute with excessive fluid loss 2 - 20 L/day!!
Dx: water deprivation test, 8 to 12 hours without fluid
S/S: polyuria and polydipsia, tired, weakness, hypotension, tachycardia, hypernatremia (dehydration symptoms)
Med: desmopressin helps with decreasing polyuria
Nursing management for diabetes insipidus
Goal: maintain fluid and electrolyte balance -limit sodium intake
Assess: I&O, glucose, VS, LOC (hypernatremia)
Fluids: hypotonic or D5W
Meds:
-Desmopressin
-chlorpropamide & carbamazepine (tegretol) -anti-seizure med but helps increase thirst so Pt drinks more
-thiazide diuretics (decreases urine production- helps polyuria
-NSAIDS (indomethacin {indocin}) has anti-diuretic effect
Difference between DI VS. SIADH
DI:
-high urinary output
-low levels of ADH
-Hypernatremia
-dehydrated
-lose too much fluid
-excessive thirst
SIADH:
-low urinary output
-high levels of ADH
-hyponatremia
-over-hydrated
-retention of fluid
What are the 5 thyroid gland disorders?
•goiter
•Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
•hyperthyroidism
•Graves disease
•Hypothyroidism
Thyroid problems are the most common endocrine disorders