Corticosteroid and Thyroid Physiology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a known risk associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy?

Increased immune response

Adrenal atrophy (correct)

Improved inflammatory responses

Decreased risk of weight gain

Which of the following is NOT a potential adverse effect of chronic corticosteroid use?

GI bleeds

Osteoporosis

Enhanced immune function (correct)

Behavioral changes

How does phenytoin interact with levothyroxine therapy?

Inhibits its metabolism

Accelerates its metabolism (correct)

Increases its absorption

Has no effect on it

What is the preferred laboratory value for diagnosing thyroid disorders?

TSH Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about live vaccines in patients on corticosteroids is correct?

They should be avoided in all patients on corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

Which foods are known to interact negatively with pharmacotherapy in hypothyroid disorders?

Soybean flour and walnuts Signup and view all the answers

How might corticosteroids affect a patient's weight?

Result in weight gain of more than 2 lbs in one day Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk do Ginkgo Biloba supplements pose for patients on anticoagulants?

Increased bleeding risk Signup and view all the answers

Which electrolyte imbalance is primarily indicated by serum potassium levels exceeding 5 mEq/L?

Hyperkalemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant adverse effect to monitor for in a patient receiving magnesium therapy?

Respiratory paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of hypokalemia related to pharmacotherapy?

Loop and thiazide diuretics Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a contraindication for administering calcium supplements?

Hyperparathyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when administering Levodopa to a patient with Parkinson's disease?

Taking it on an empty stomach Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of dopamine agonists in Parkinson's disease treatment?

Increase available dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the serum level indicative of hypermagnesemia?

Above 1.05 mmol/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common serious adverse effect of cholinesterase inhibitors used in Alzheimer's treatment?

Dysrhythmias Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main symptoms of hyponatremia in patients?

Confusion Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by demyelination and considered an autoimmune disorder?

Multiple Sclerosis Signup and view all the answers

What dietary consideration should be made when taking Donepezil for Alzheimer's?

Avoid high-fat meals Signup and view all the answers

Which drug category is associated with the treatment of muscle spasticity?

Skeletal muscle relaxants Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious complication of hypercalcemia that healthcare providers must monitor?

Heart block Signup and view all the answers

What condition occurs due to excessive breakdown of acetylcholine in Alzheimer's treatment?

Cholinergic crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indication for using loop (high-ceiling) diuretics?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consideration when administering loop diuretics to older adults?

Establish safety precautions and observe them carefully Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diuretics is most likely to cause significant hearing loss?

Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction is a concern when using potassium-sparing diuretics?

Hyperkalemia with potassium supplements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for loop diuretics?

Block sodium reabsorption at the loop of Henle Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is known to decrease blood pressure while increasing blood flow and memory?

Ginkgo-biloba Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with the use of St John's Wort?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is considered an antidote for warfarin overdose?

Vitamin K Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis?

Fluid balance Signup and view all the answers

Which herb can dangerously increase blood pressure if consumed in large amounts over a prolonged period?

Black licorice Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is known for its relaxing effects and is commonly used for sleeping problems?

Kava Kava Signup and view all the answers

What effect does ginger have on anticoagulants?

Increases their effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is specifically cautioned against for patients on Parkinson's medications due to its potential to decrease efficacy?

Pyridoxine Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of diuretic therapy?

Electrolyte imbalances Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is associated with decreased insulin levels in diabetics?

Ginkgo-biloba Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Long-Term Corticosteroid Treatment

Corticosteroids suppress inflammation and immune responses
Prolonged use can lead to adrenal atrophy
Avoid live vaccines while on steroids
Weight gain of over 2 pounds in a day is a potential indicator
Oral route is often preferred for chronic use, while IV is for acute
Higher doses lead to faster adrenal atrophy (2-4 weeks)

Adverse Effects of Chronic Steroid Use

Compromised immune system
Reduced inflammatory responses
Gastrointestinal bleeding (peptic ulcers)
Osteoporosis
Behavioral changes
Metabolic changes (fat redistribution, fluid retention)

Steroid Therapy Drug Interactions

Some drugs increase potassium loss; others worsen steroid efficacy
Avoid live vaccines
Insulin and oral agents are affected

Thyroid Gland Physiology

Low thyroid hormone levels trigger a negative feedback loop
Hypothalamus releases TRH
Anterior pituitary releases TSH
Thyroid produces T3 and T4 hormones

Thyroid Disorders Diagnosis

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the preferred lab value for diagnosis
Low TSH is generally considered good
Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by low T4 and high TSH
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is indicated by abnormal anti-thyroid antibodies

Hypothyroid Disorders Treatment - Drug Interactions

Phenytoin speeds up the metabolism of levothyroxine
Certain foods (soy, walnuts, some fruits and vegetables) can interact with levothyroxine

Herbal Interactions

Gingko biloba can pose risks for those on anticoagulants
Ginseng potentially reduces blood sugar, blood pressure, and sexual function; but may increase CNS depressants' effects
Herbal remedies aren't always safe, some have ingredients similar to prescription drugs

Other Drug Interactions (Specific Examples)

Ginger can decrease nausea and inflammation, and increase blood thinning effects/anticoagulants
Garlic increases blood thinning
Valerian may increase CNS depressant effects
St. John's Wort potentially reduces the effectiveness of antidepressants
Saw Palmetto may decrease urination and iron absorption

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances

Body fluids constantly travel between intracellular and extracellular compartments.
Fluid imbalances can lead to shock and dehydration.
Electrolytes (Na, K, Mg, and Ca) are crucial for homeostasis
Imbalances can signal underlying medical conditions.

Specific Electrolytes (Examples)

Hypernatremia: Watch neurological status (LOC), assess for lethargy, confusion, and muscle issues.
Hypokalemia: Serum levels below 3.5 mEq/L, commonly caused by diuretics; it necessitates administration or prevention.
Hyperkalemia: Serum levels above 5 mEq/L, caused by excess intake or impaired kidney function (renal pathology)

Kidney Function and Electrolyte Balance (Kidney Role)

Kidneys are major organs for excretion and maintaining homeostasis
They control fluid balance, electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance.

Specific Diseases (Examples)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Exact cause unknown, an inflammatory demyelinating disease.
Parkinson's Disease: Loss of dopamine and acetylcholine balance in the brain; goal of treatment is to balance these substances.
Alzheimer's Disease: Cholinesterase inhibitors improve cognitive function.

Other Important Considerations

Monitor liver function tests
Avoid alcohol
Nonpharmacological therapies like physical therapy and herbal remedies can assist with treatments.

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Description

Test your knowledge on long-term corticosteroid treatment, its adverse effects, and the physiology of the thyroid gland. This quiz covers important aspects of drug interactions and the hormonal regulation involving the thyroid. Ensure you understand the implications of corticosteroid therapy and thyroid function.