Endocrine System and Thyroid Hormones Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of thyroid hormone?

Regulate metabolism, heart rate, and cardiac output (correct)

Promote bone growth and development

Support the immune system

Regulate blood sugar levels

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Toxic multinodular goiter

Pituitary tumor

Thyroiditis

Grave's disease (correct)

What is exophthalmos?

Nodule formation in the thyroid gland

Bulging of the eyes (correct)

Inflammation of the thyroid gland

Enlargement of the thyroid gland

What medication is used to treat hypothyroidism?

Levothyroxine Signup and view all the answers

What is the pathophysiology of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism?

Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the main side effect of levothyroxine that patients must report to their healthcare provider?

Heart arrhythmias Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to produce thyroid hormone?

Iodine Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland?

T3 and T4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Methimazole in treating hyperthyroidism?

To inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormone in the thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the common cause of exophthalmos?

Hyperthyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Levothyroxine?

To increase the production of thyroid hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of Addison's disease?

Autoimmune condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Aldosterone?

To regulate electrolyte balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of Diabetes Insipidus?

SIADH Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOA of Desmopressin?

Increases the production of ADH Signup and view all the answers

What is the side effect of Desmopressin?

Hyponatremia Signup and view all the answers

What is the route of administration for Desmopressin?

Nasal spray Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Spirinolactone?

To decrease the production of aldosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of aldosterone?

Promotes sodium reabsorption in exchange for potassium secretion. Signup and view all the answers

What medication is similar to a synthetic aldosterone?

Spironolactone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of Addison's disease?

Low blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is Cushing's Syndrome?

A condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol. Signup and view all the answers

What is the suffix of steroids?

-one Signup and view all the answers

When would you take a steroid with meals or without meals?

With meals to prevent stomach upset. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hydrocortisone?

It provides fast sugar source during times of emotional or physical stress (injury, infection). Signup and view all the answers

What kind of symptomatic support would a patient with Addison's disease need?

Fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a side effect of steroids?

Increased risk of infection Signup and view all the answers

How would you treat a patient in Addison's crisis?

Administer intravenous fluids and corticosteroids. Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical doses for Spironolactone?

200-400mg Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of Spironolactone?

Hyperkalemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition caused by high aldosterone and high cortisol levels?

Cushing's Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of Cushing's Syndrome?

Long-term use of steroids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of Addison's Disease?

Bronze pigmentation of skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for hyperglycemia in a patient with Addison's Disease?

Dextrose solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which steroids suppress inflammation?

Suppressing the genes responsible for inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to taper steroid dosage gradually?

To allow the body to adjust to the reduced steroid levels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Endocrine System Overview

Thyroid gland is not palpable.
Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland.
Main thyroid hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).
Thyroid hormone regulates metabolism, heart rate, and supports growth and brain maturation.
Signs of thyroid disease primarily affect metabolism and cardiac function.
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production.

Hyperthyroidism

Most common cause is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.
Pathophysiology involves immunoglobulins stimulating thyroid hormone synthesis via TSH receptors.
Exophthalmos is characterized by bulging eyes due to fluid accumulation in tissues.
Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, anxiety, sweating, tachycardia, and exophthalmos.
Treatment options include thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine.
Methimazole (Tapazole) is a prototype medication.
It inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland.
Clinical effectiveness of Methimazole is monitored by a decrease in hyperthyroid symptoms.
Risks of overtreatment include extreme hypothyroidism, fever, rash, and leukopenia due to agranulocytosis.
Agranulocytosis is a severe drop in granulocyte count, increasing infection risk.
Regular CBC and liver function tests are necessary due to Methimazole's potential hepatotoxicity.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a sign of hepatic failure, marked by elevated bilirubin leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Always assess the sclera for signs of jaundice.

Hypothyroidism

Most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition.
Pathophysiology involves fibrotic tissue formation due to antibody attacks on the thyroid, leading to decreased hormone production.
Treatment involves Levothyroxine (Synthroid), a synthetic T4 hormone.
Levothyroxine is administered PO or IV, converting to T3 in the body.
Effectiveness is indicated by an increase in metabolic rate.
Side effects include tachycardia, palpitations, and anxiety; report any signs of hyperthyroidism.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

Symptomatic support focuses on alleviating symptoms rather than treating underlying causes.
Examples include pain management, fever reduction, and treating respiratory symptoms.
Beta blockers or antihypertensives may address hyperthyroid symptoms.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is also known as vasopressin, promoting water retention in kidneys.
Diabetes refers to excessive urination; Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by low ADH.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) involves high ADH levels and fluid retention.
DI results in dilute urine and low specific gravity. Common causes include pituitary damage.
Treatment for DI includes Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP), administered through various routes (nasal, SubQ, IV).
Desmopressin increases urine concentration by enhancing water reabsorption in renal ducts.
Hyponatremia symptoms include altered mental status and seizures.

Adrenal Function and Disorders

The adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (Cortisol).
Aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion.
Cortisol provides energy during stress.
Spironolactone acts as an aldosterone antagonist, leading to sodium excretion while retaining potassium.
Spironolactone doses vary: typically 50-100 mg for hypertension and 200-400 mg for anti-androgen effects.
Main side effect of spironolactone: Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Addison’s disease results in low aldosterone and cortisol, mainly caused by autoimmune destruction.
Treatment includes long-term steroids like hydrocortisone, which increases both hormones.
Cushing’s Syndrome arises from excessive cortisol and aldosterone, often due to adrenal hypersecretion or steroid use.
Treatment for Cushing’s involves reducing steroid use, surgical intervention, and symptomatic support.
Symptoms of Addison’s include fatigue, dehydration, and hypotension; an adrenal crisis can lead to vascular collapse and renal shutdown.
Cushing's symptoms include personality changes, moon facies, and purple striae.
Education on steroids emphasizes the need for gradual tapering to prevent withdrawal effects and stress management.

Steroid Management

Steroids serve multiple purposes, from inflammation management to treating autoimmune conditions.
Common steroid suffix: -sone (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone).
When taking steroids, timing related to meals is advised based on gastrointestinal tolerance or absorption issues.
Potential side effects include hypertension, immunosuppression, mood changes, and weight gain.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the endocrine system, thyroid hormones, and hyperthyroidism. Covers thyroid gland, hormone production, and disease symptoms.