40 Questions
What happens to hormone amounts during a crisis?
They increase temporarily
Why do ACTH levels drop in steroid-dependent individuals?
Because of the steroids, the cortex isn't making ACTH
What happens to the cortex in steroid-dependent individuals?
It atrophies
Who may experience a drop in ACTH levels?
People without Addison's disease but steroid-dependent
What is the purpose of temporarily increasing hormone amounts in a crisis?
To prevent shock
What is the outcome of prolonged steroid use in some individuals?
The cortex atrophies
Why do people with Addison's disease not experience a drop in ACTH levels?
Because their cortex is not affected
What is the relationship between steroid use and ACTH production?
Steroids suppress ACTH production
What is the primary function of the adrenal cortex hormones?
Regulation of blood sugar levels
What is the consequence of a deficiency of aldosterone?
Dehydration and hypotension
What is the term for the three primary functions of the adrenal cortex hormones?
The three S's
What is the chronic form of the disease caused by an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex?
Addison's disease
What is the primary cause of Addison's disease?
Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex
What is a common symptom of someone who is lethargic, weak, and tired?
Weight loss
What is the primary goal of treatment in Addison's disease?
Replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
What is the term for the condition characterized by low blood pressure and a decrease in blood volume?
Hypotension
What can happen to someone who has a poor tolerance to stress?
They will likely go into shock
What is the effect of a deficiency of cortisol on blood glucose levels?
Decrease in blood glucose levels
What is a decrease in androgens likely to affect in women?
Body hair
What is the classic symptom of this condition?
Hyperpigmentation
What can be accompanied by hyperpigmentation in this condition?
Vitiligo
What is the result of an increase in MSH in this condition?
Increased pigmentation
What is a common symptom of someone with this condition?
Low energy levels
What is likely to happen to someone who has a poor tolerance to stress and is also lethargic?
They will likely go into shock
What is the cortisol supplement dependent on?
The severity of Addison's disease
What is a symptom of taking cortisol supplement?
Hyperkalemia
What is a consequence of taking cortisol supplement?
Shock
What is the difference between Addison's disease and the symptoms of cortisol supplement?
The symptoms are similar but worse
What is a complication of hyperkalemia?
Dysrhythmia
What is the impact of cortisol supplement on blood pressure?
It decreases blood pressure
What is the severity of the symptoms of cortisol supplement?
Life-threatening
What is the relationship between cortisol supplement and Addison's disease?
The symptoms of cortisol supplement are similar to Addison's disease
What is the main function of catecholamines in the body?
To serve as neurotransmitters and mediate sympathetic activity
What is a possible cause of hyperfunction in the adrenal medulla?
A benign tumor on the adrenal medulla
What are the symptoms of a pheochromocytoma?
Episodic symptoms triggered by movement, stress, and anxiety
What is the relationship between the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system?
The adrenal medulla is part of the sympathetic nervous system and produces catecholamines
What is a possible treatment for a pheochromocytoma?
Surgical removal of the tumor
What do catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, serve as in the body?
Neurotransmitters that mediate sympathetic activity
What is a characteristic of the symptoms of a pheochromocytoma?
They are episodic and can be triggered by certain events
What is the name of the tumor that can cause hyperfunction in the adrenal medulla?
Pheochromocytoma
Study Notes
Addison's Disease
- Addison's disease is a chronic form of hypofunction of the adrenal cortex, resulting in a deficiency of all three corticosteroid hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens.
- Classic symptom: hyperpigmentation (increased MSH), resulting in a tan appearance.
- Other symptoms: lethargic, weak, tired, weight loss, low energy, poor tolerance to stress, and may go into shock.
Pathological Change
- Primary adrenal insufficiency: destruction of the adrenal cortex, resulting in a deficiency of all three corticosteroid hormones.
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency: pituitary gland malfunction, leading to a lack of ACTH production, resulting in adrenal cortex atrophy.
Assessment Findings
- Low levels of aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens.
- Decreased sodium levels, increased potassium levels, and dehydration.
- Hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
- Muscle weakness, hypoglycemia, and may lead to shock.
Nursing Interventions
- Synthetic hormone replacement therapy: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens.
- Monitor and manage fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
- Monitor for signs of shock and cardiac dysrhythmias.
Regulation
- The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens, which are essential for life.
- The three main hormones have three distinct functions: sugar, salt, and sex.
Adrenal Medulla
- Produces catecholamines: epinephrine and norepinephrine, which serve as neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system.
- Hyperfunction of the adrenal medulla can lead to pheochromocytoma, a benign tumor.
- Symptoms of pheochromocytoma: episodic hypertension, tachycardia, and palpitations, triggered by movement, stress, and anxiety.
This quiz covers various symptoms related to low energy, including lethargic, weak, tired, and weight loss. Identify the common signs of low energy.
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