Thyroid, Pituitary, Hypothalamus, Adrenal Drugs

Question 1

Hypothyroidism

Tx for myxedema coma

Answer 1

Levothyroxine

Liothyronine

Question 2

Hyperthyroidism (Grave’s)

Tx for thyrotoxicosis

Answer 2

Propylthiouracil

Methimazole (Tapazole)

SE: hypothyroidism
Agranulocytosis
Hepatitis

Question 3

Strong iodine solution (Lugol’s)

Sodium iodine

Answer 3

Produce euthyroid state before thyroid removal surgery

ER Tx for thyrotoxicosis

SE: metallic taste, stomatitis, sore teeth and gums, gastric distress/distention

Nurse: take med with straw/in juice . Same time daily with food

Question 4

Radioactive iodine

Answer 4

High dose= hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer
Low dose= thyroid function tests

SE: radiation sickness, bone marrow suppression, hypothyroidism

Radioactive precautions: void frequently, contact with others, increase fluids, disposal of wastes properly

Question 5

Somatropin

Answer 5

Use: growth deficiencies in kids

1. Turner’s (underdeveloped sec characteristic)
2. Prader-Willi (short muscle tone, incomplete sex development, chronic hunger, obesity)

Caution: Pt. Extremely obese and have respiratory issues, DM

Question 6

Vasopressin

Desmopressin

Answer 6

Vasopressin = post-op abdominal distention and prep for radiography

Desmopressin = tx for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, GI bleeding, hemophilia A, VonWilldebrand’s (increase clotting)

SE: too much water reabsorption, CV effects, extravasation at IV site (gangrene)

Monitor serum and urine electrolytes and osmolality, I & O

Question 7

Adrenal Cortex

Answer 7

Hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone

USE: acute and chronic Addison’s disease, non-endocrine disorders (cancer, inflammation, allergic reaction)

SE: osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, peptic ulcers, increased infection risk, salt water retained in high dose

Nurse: monitor wt. and BP. Avoid infectious people