Symptoms of Low Energy

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Questions and Answers

What happens to hormone amounts during a crisis?

They decrease temporarily

They remain unchanged

They drop permanently

They increase temporarily (correct)

Why do ACTH levels drop in steroid-dependent individuals?

Due to a hormonal imbalance

Because of the steroids, the cortex isn't making ACTH (correct)

Because the cortex atrophies

Due to Addison's disease

What happens to the cortex in steroid-dependent individuals?

It becomes overactive

It remains unaffected

It atrophies (correct)

It starts producing ACTH

Who may experience a drop in ACTH levels?

People without Addison's disease but steroid-dependent Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of temporarily increasing hormone amounts in a crisis?

To prevent shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of prolonged steroid use in some individuals?

The cortex atrophies Signup and view all the answers

Why do people with Addison's disease not experience a drop in ACTH levels?

Because their cortex is not affected Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between steroid use and ACTH production?

Steroids suppress ACTH production Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the adrenal cortex hormones?

Regulation of blood sugar levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a deficiency of aldosterone?

Dehydration and hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the three primary functions of the adrenal cortex hormones?

The three S's Signup and view all the answers

What is the chronic form of the disease caused by an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex?

Addison's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of Addison's disease?

Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of someone who is lethargic, weak, and tired?

Weight loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of treatment in Addison's disease?

Replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the condition characterized by low blood pressure and a decrease in blood volume?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to someone who has a poor tolerance to stress?

They will likely go into shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a deficiency of cortisol on blood glucose levels?

Decrease in blood glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a decrease in androgens likely to affect in women?

Body hair Signup and view all the answers

What is the classic symptom of this condition?

Hyperpigmentation Signup and view all the answers

What can be accompanied by hyperpigmentation in this condition?

Vitiligo Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an increase in MSH in this condition?

Increased pigmentation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of someone with this condition?

Low energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to happen to someone who has a poor tolerance to stress and is also lethargic?

They will likely go into shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the cortisol supplement dependent on?

The severity of Addison's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of taking cortisol supplement?

Hyperkalemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of taking cortisol supplement?

Shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Addison's disease and the symptoms of cortisol supplement?

The symptoms are similar but worse Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication of hyperkalemia?

Dysrhythmia Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of cortisol supplement on blood pressure?

It decreases blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the severity of the symptoms of cortisol supplement?

Life-threatening Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between cortisol supplement and Addison's disease?

The symptoms of cortisol supplement are similar to Addison's disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of catecholamines in the body?

To serve as neurotransmitters and mediate sympathetic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of hyperfunction in the adrenal medulla?

A benign tumor on the adrenal medulla Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of a pheochromocytoma?

Episodic symptoms triggered by movement, stress, and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible treatment for a pheochromocytoma?

Surgical removal of the tumor Signup and view all the answers

What do catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, serve as in the body?

Neurotransmitters that mediate sympathetic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the symptoms of a pheochromocytoma?

They are episodic and can be triggered by certain events Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the tumor that can cause hyperfunction in the adrenal medulla?

Pheochromocytoma Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

This quiz covers various symptoms related to low energy, including lethargic, weak, tired, and weight loss. Identify the common signs of low energy.