Endocrine Review NUR 146

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of tropic hormones within the endocrine system?

Maintain fluid balance in the body

Stimulate the production and secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands (correct)

Stimulate cellular growth in target organs

Regulate metabolism in target cells

Which of the following glands is commonly referred to as the 'master gland'?

Pituitary gland (correct)

Adrenal glands

Pancreas

Thyroid gland

What is a characteristic feature of hormones in the endocrine system?

They are secreted in large volumes

They maintain homeostasis via a positive feedback system

They are directly delivered to target organs through ducts

They are released in small amounts into the bloodstream (correct)

Which type of hormone is primarily involved in maintaining homeostasis through a negative feedback system?

All types of hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is responsible for producing hormones that influence metabolism?

Thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of the endocrine system related to human growth?

Facilitating physical and sexual development Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary organ of the endocrine system?

Salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gland secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream?

Endocrine gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of tropic hormones?

To stimulate other endocrine glands to release hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is NOT secreted by the anterior pituitary gland?

Vasopressin (ADH) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of positive feedback systems?

They reinforce the action of the hormone as long as the stimulus is present. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with hypersecretion of hormones?

Benign or malignant tumors Signup and view all the answers

Which feedback system is primarily responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis?

Parathyroid hormone regulation Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does calcitonin serve in the body?

Reduce blood calcium levels Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hypothalamus play concerning the pituitary gland?

It releases stimulating factors that control the secretion of pituitary hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What clinical signs may indicate endocrine dysfunction?

Urine and bowel habit changes Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone increases metabolic rate in tissues?

Thyroxine (T4) Signup and view all the answers

What determines secondary endocrine gland dysfunction?

Factors arising from outside the gland Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to hyposecretion of hormones?

Overproduction of hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids?

Glucocorticoids play a role in carbohydrate metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological impact does oxytocin have during childbirth?

Increases uterine contraction frequency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System Overview

Endocrine organs include pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas (islets of Langerhans), adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes.
Function includes fluid balance, metabolism, growth, reproduction, aging, and stress response.

Hormone Functions and Types

Hormones are chemical transmitters released in small amounts directly into the bloodstream.
Categories of hormones based on chemical structure: amines, peptides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives.
Tropic hormones stimulate other endocrine glands (e.g., TSH), while non-tropic hormones target specific cells or tissues (e.g., thyroxine).

Hormone Release Triggers

Hormone release occurs due to stress, nervous system signals, negative feedback mechanisms, and tropic hormones.
Examples of tropic hormones include TSH, FSH, LH, and ACTH.

Feedback Systems

Negative feedback loops aim to maintain homeostasis.
Positive feedback systems enhance hormone release in response to stimuli (e.g., oxytocin during childbirth).

Endocrine Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can lead to growth issues, mood changes, metabolism disorders, and sexual dysfunction.
Dysfunctions can be classified into primary (e.g., tumors, autoimmune conditions) and secondary (external factors affecting gland function).

Assessment in Nursing Process

Health history should include symptoms indicative of endocrine imbalance: energy levels, temperature tolerance, weight changes, thirst, bowel habits, hair patterns, and menstrual cycles.
Physical assessments should check vital signs, hair distribution, facial changes, and signs of fatigue.

Diagnostic Approach

Diagnostic tests include blood and urine tests, stimulation tests, and suppression tests.

Specific Glands and Their Functions

Pituitary Gland

Known as the "master gland," it secretes tropic hormones influencing other glands.
Divided into anterior (e.g., FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH, GH) and posterior lobes.

Thyroid Gland

Produces thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin.
T3 and T4 influence growth, development, and metabolism, with iodine being crucial for hormone production.
Regulated by a negative feedback system with TSH from the anterior pituitary.

Parathyroid Glands

Four glands located on the thyroid, producing parathormone (PTH) to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
Increased PTH raises blood calcium and lowers phosphorus through a feedback system.

Adrenal Glands

Located above the kidneys, consisting of the adrenal medulla and cortex.
Medulla releases catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) for the "fight or flight" response.
Cortex produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens that regulate stress responses.

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Description

This quiz covers vital aspects of the endocrine system in the context of Med Surg nursing. Students will explore the incidence, etiology, normal anatomy, and pathophysiology of primary endocrine organs. Get ready to test your knowledge on clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, and medical management.