pituitary gland disorders Flashcards
What part of the brain directs the pituitary gland?
The hypothalamus.
How many hormones does the pituitary gland store and release? How many are involved in childhood illnesses?
It stores and releases 8 hormones; 4 are involved in childhood illnesses.
What is the target organ and function of ADH?
Targets the kidneys; regulates urine output.
What does corticotropin (ACTH) stimulate the production of?
Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
What is the primary effect of somatropin (GH, growth hormone)?
Increases bone and cartilage development.
What is the target organ and function of thyrotropin?
Targets the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone (TH).
What are some general causes of pituitary gland disorders?
Tumor growth in/near the pituitary or hypothalamus; interference with circulation to the gland, trauma, inflammation, structural abnormalities.
What are the two main consequences of pituitary gland disorders regarding hormone production?
Overproduction or underproduction of the associated hormones.
What is the primary consequence of growth hormone deficiency?
Growth delays/inhibition.
What is the typical adult height of an individual with untreated growth hormone deficiency?
They will not grow past 3-4 feet in height.
What is a common cause of growth hormone deficiency?
Often tumor related; intracranial pressure from head trauma.
What are some assessment findings in a child with growth hormone deficiency?
WNL height/weight at birth, falling below the 3rd percentile in the first few years of life; infantile face, crowded teeth, high-pitched voice, delayed onset of secondary sex characteristics.
What are some signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure that might be seen with growth hormone deficiency?
Vision loss, headache, nausea, vomiting.
What historical information is important to gather when assessing for growth hormone deficiency?
Family history and pregnancy history (any intrauterine restriction?).
What is a common cause of growth hormone excess?
Overproduction often produced by an adenoma, a benign tumor of the anterior pituitary.
What are the typical growth patterns seen with growth hormone excess?
Excess growth of height and weight; proportional.
What is the condition called when growth hormone excess occurs before the closure of growth plates?
Gigantism.
What are some physical characteristics of acromegaly?
Fontanelles late/fail to close, large tongue, speech impaired.
What is the potential adult height of an individual with untreated growth hormone excess?
Can reach 8 feet in height.
What diagnostic tests might be used to assess growth hormone excess?
X-ray or ultrasound (US) of the skull to identify a tumor.
What are some general education and interventions for pituitary disorders?
If no tumor, suppressive medication and related hormonal therapy; focus on self-esteem and mental health.
