Endocrine System Quiz

Med-Surg NUR 425 Exam 4 Study Guide

• Pituitary Disorders:
• Hypopituitarism (Anterior Pituitary): Underproduction of pituitary hormones.
• Causes/Risk Factors: Benign tumors (adenomas), strokes, postpartum hemorrhages, head trauma.
• Hormonal Function/Cues (ACTH, GH, TSH): ACTH targets adrenal cortex for cortisol release, GH targets bones/tissues, TSH targets thyroid for T3 & T4. Decreased hormones lead to specific symptoms e.g. decrease glucocorticoids results in decreased glucose, cortisol and stress, decreased mineralocorticoids decrease blood pressure, increased potassium.
• Treatment: Hydrocortisone/Prednisone (for ACTH deficiency), Synthroid (for TSH deficiency), Somatropin/Genotropin (for GH deficiency).
• Hyperpituitarism (Anterior Pituitary): Hypersecretion of pituitary hormones.
• Causes/Risk Factors: Hypersecreting tumors, genetic associations, more common in females.
• Hormonal Cues (ACTH, GH, TSH): Increased hormones lead to specific symptoms, e.g., too much ACTH ⇒ Cushing's disease (increased cortisol), too much GH ⇒ Acromegaly (bone thickening).
• Treatment: Ketoconazole/Mitotanec (for ACTH), Propylthiouracil/Methimazole (for TSH). , Octreotide/Pasireotide (for GH), Bromocriptine (for Acromegaly)

Thyroid Disorders

• Hypothyroidism (Myxedema/Myxedema Coma): Underactive thyroid.

• Risk Factors/Causes: Hashimoto's autoimmune disease, thyroid surgeries, iodine deficiency.

• Cues: Low metabolic rate (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance), low energy, low appetite, and more susceptible to cold temperatures. Myxedema coma is a severe form with decreased CO, contractility, cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion, and decreased GI motility (constipation/distention).

• Medical Management: Levothyroxine (Synthroid T4)

• Nursing Actions: Monitor vital signs, assess skin, monitor lab values (especially thyroid hormone levels and calcium if thyroid/parathyroid removal), education about medication/disease process.

• Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis): Overactive thyroid.

• Risk Factors/Causes: Graves' disease (most common), autoimmune, stress, infections, excessive iodine intakes.

• Cues: Increased metabolic rate (weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, tachycardia, etc.). Exophthalmos & goiter also common.

• Medical Management: Meds like Propylthiouracil (PTU), Methimazole (Tapazole), iodine-based solutions may be used, radioactive iodine, and surgery.

• Nursing Actions: Monitor vital signs, cardiac function, adequate fluid intake, monitor CBC.

Parathyroid Disorders

• Hypoparathyroidism: Underactive parathyroid, decreasing calcium levels.
• Risk Factors: Autoimmune issues, most commonly surgery.
• Cues: Decreased calcium levels lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, spasms in hands and feet, tetany (severe muscle spasms).
• Treatment: Supplemental calcium & Vitamin D
• Nursing Actions: Monitor vital signs, assess cues for hypocalcemia, monitor calcium levels (ionized calcium is the active form), and educate patients about disease process and medications.
• Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid: increases calcium levels.
• Risk Factors: Women are at a higher risk.
• Cues: Prolonged PR, short QT intervals, GI issues (anorexia, constipation, abdominal pain), lethargy, confusion, muscle weakness, bone pain/fractures.
• Treatment: IV fluids, furosemide, calcitonin, phosphate.
• **Nursing Actions:**Administer oral phosphates as ordered, strain urine, education, and monitoring vital signs and for hypocalcemic cues.

Diabetes

• Diabetes Type 1 and 2:
• Type 1: Autoimmune, requiring insulin.
• Type 2: Insulin resistance, often related to lifestyle.
• Risk Factors: Family history (obesity is a risk factor for Type 2)
• Cues: Type 1: polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss; Type 2: typically gradual onset.
• Assessment/Management: Medical management for both includes monitoring blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring and diet are key to both types.
• Nursing Actions: Monitor vitals (BP/HR), educate patients, monitor blood glucose levels.

Test your knowledge on the endocrine system with this quiz focusing on hypopituitarism, ACTH functions, and thyroid disorders. Explore symptoms, treatments, and characteristics of related conditions. Perfect for students and health enthusiasts alike!