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Stack #4536592
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the main functions of the endocrine system? | Regulate chemical reactions, control rates of cellular activity, alter membrane permeability, and activate mechanisms for growth/reproduction |
| What hormones does the posterior pituitary release? | Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), produced in the hypothalamus but stored/released by the posterior pituitary |
| anterior pituitary? | produces hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream (all other 6) |
| : What hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland? | Thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), and thyrocalcitonin (calcitonin). |
| What are the main effects of thyroid hormones? | Increase heat production, regulate metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, and affect tissue response to epinephrine/norepinephrine. |
| What hormone does the parathyroid gland secrete? | Parathormone (PTH), which regulates plasma calcium levels. |
| What hormone balances parathormone (PTH)? | Calcitonin from the thyroid gland. |
| : What hormones are secreted by the adrenal medulla? | Epinephrine and norepinephrine (catecholamines). |
| What are the two main types of adrenal cortex hormones? | Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. |
| What are the endocrine functions of the pancreas? | The beta cells secrete insulin; alpha cells secrete glucagon. |
| : What is the role of insulin? | Enables cells to use glucose as fuel. |
| What is the role of glucagon? | Stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose. |
| What are some effects of aging on the endocrine system? | Smaller pituitary gland, nodular thyroid, decreased or increased hormone levels, higher blood glucose, decreased thyroid hormone. |
| What causes primary endocrine dysfunction? | Hypersecretion, hyposecretion, tumors, inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, or mechanical damage. |
| What causes secondary endocrine dysfunction? | Medications, trauma, or hormone therapy. |
| How can goiter be prevented? | Ensure sufficient iodine intake. |
| What are key diagnostic tests for endocrine function? | Thyroid panel, serum calcium/phosphate levels, electrolyte/glucose levels, hormone levels, ECG |
| What are diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus? | Random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL Fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL 2-hour postprandial ≥ 200 mg/dL after 75 g glucose |
| What are the general nursing goals for patients with endocrine disorders? | Prevent injury, maintain fluid/electrolyte/hormone balance, reduce stress, teach self-care, and improve coping and physical tolerance. |
| What are examples of nursing evaluations for endocrine disorders? | Normal fluid balance, stable hormone levels, improved coping and emotional status, tolerance to activity, and understanding of self-care. |
| What are the main organs of the endocrine system? | Pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries/testes, pineal gland, thymus gland, and heart. |
| Pituitary Gland Disorders What causes most pituitary tumors? | Usually a benign pituitary adenoma. |
| What symptoms suggest a pituitary tumor? | Headache, visual changes (may lead to blindness), fatigue, personality changes. |
| What is the main surgical treatment for pituitary tumors? | Hypophysectomy (removal of pituitary gland). |
| Diabetes Insipidus What is the main problem in DI? | Deficiency of ADH → excessive urine output and dehydration. |
| Classic signs of DI? | Polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, low BP, high HR |
| Key lab findings in DI? | Low urine specific gravity (<1.005), low urine osmolality. |
| Treatment for DI? | Desmopressin (DDAVP), IV fluids, strict I&O, daily weight |
| Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH) Q: What happens in SIADAH | Too much ADH → fluid retention and hyponatremia. |
| Common signs of SIADH? | Confusion, seizures, muscle cramps, low urine output, weight gain. |
| : Priority nursing care for SIADH? | Fluid restriction (500–1000 mL/day). Give diuretics and monitor sodium. Monitor neuro status closely |
| Thyroid Disorders Q: What causes a goiter? | Iodine deficiency or lack of thyroid hormone |
| What are early symptoms of hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease)? | Weight loss, nervousness, heat intolerance, insomnia, tachycardia. |
| What medication treats hyperthyroidism? | Antithyroid meds (methimazole, PTU) or radioactive iodine (I-131). |
| What is a thyroid crisis? | high fever, tachycardia, restlessness, delirium, temp up to 106, and 200bpm |
| Nursing care for thyroid crisis? | Reduce temperature, give beta-blockers and sedatives, maintain airway |
| : Symptoms of hypothyroidism? | Fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, bradycardia, dry skin, lethargy. |
| : Treatment for hypothyroidism? | : Lifelong levothyroxine (take in the morning before breakfast). |
| Post-Thyroidectomy Care What are the top priorities after thyroid surgery? | Airway obstruction (keep trach set at bedside). Monitor for bleeding and swelling at incision. Watch for hypocalcemia (tingling, tetany, Chvostek/Trousseau signs). |
| What emergency med should be at bedside? | IV calcium gluconate. |
| What causes hypoparathyroidism? | Damage or removal of parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery |
| Signs of hypoparathyroidism? | Muscle cramps, tingling, tetany, positive Chvostek/Trousseau signs. |
| Treatment for hypoparathyroidism? | IV calcium gluconate, vitamin D, oral calcium supplements. |
| What causes hyperparathyroidism? | Overproduction of parathormone → high calcium, low phosphate. |
| Signs of hyperparathyroidism? | “Bones, stones, groans, and moans” — bone pain, kidney stones, GI distress, depression. |
| Treatment for hyperparathyroidism? | Parathyroidectomy, hydration, vitamin D supplements. |
| Adrenal Disorders What is pheochromocytoma? | Adrenal medulla tumor → secretes excess catecholamines. |
| Key symptoms of pheochromocytoma? | Severe hypertension, tachycardia, headache, sweating, palpitations. |
| Addison Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency) What hormones are low in Addison’s disease? | : Cortisol and aldosterone. |
| Common symptoms of Addison’s? | Fatigue, hypotension, hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia. |
| Treatment for Addison’s? | Prednisone (glucocorticoid). Fludrocortisone (mineralocorticoid). Increase salt intake |
| What is an Addisonian crisis? | Life-threatening drop in BP due to stress or steroid withdrawal. Treatment: IV fluids and IV steroids. |
| What causes Cushing syndrome? | Prolonged steroid use or pituitary/adrenal tumor. |
| Classic signs of Cushing’s? | Moon face,” “buffalo hump,” truncal obesity, thin skin, bruising, high glucose. |
| Nursing priorities for Cushing’s? | Monitor glucose, electrolytes. Prevent infection. Taper steroids slowly. Emotional support for body changes |
| The anterior pituitary | produces hormones that are secreted into the bloodstream(all other 6) |