Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the function of the endocrine system?

The endocrine system secretes hormones into the bloodstream that affect metabolism, growth, fluid balance, and sexual development.

Which are the key glands of the endocrine system?

Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads.

What causes hypopituitarism?

Decreased growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary, which may be due to idiopathic causes, brain tumors, trauma, or radiation.

What are common signs of hypopituitarism?

Normal weight/length at birth, falling off the growth curve by age 1, short stature, delayed dentition and puberty, high-pitched voice, chubby immature face, and prolonged openness of the fontanel.

How is hypopituitarism diagnosed?

Through an X-ray of the left hand/wrist showing delayed bone age, a GH stimulation test, and an MRI to check pituitary structure.

What medication is used for treating hypopituitarism?

Somatropin, which is a growth hormone replacement administered SubQ daily at bedtime.

What is hyperpituitarism primarily caused by?

Excess growth hormone, often from a pituitary tumor.

What are the signs of hyperpituitarism?

Tall stature, enlarged facial features, delayed fontanel closure, coarse features, and cardiovascular changes like cardiomegaly.

How is hyperpituitarism diagnosed?

Using a GH suppression test after glucose loading, where GH fails to suppress.

What is a common treatment method for hyperpituitarism?

Surgical removal of the tumor, radiation, and medications such as octreotide.

What defines precocious puberty?

Development of secondary sexual characteristics in girls before age 8 and boys before age 9.

What are the causes of precocious puberty?

Idiopathic causes, CNS tumors, trauma, and infections.

What diagnostic tests are used for precocious puberty?

Labs for LH, FSH, estradiol/testosterone, GnRH stimulation test, and bone age X-ray.

What is the treatment for precocious puberty?

GnRH agonists like Leuprolide, given by IM or SQ injections every 1–3 months.

What is diabetes insipidus (DI)?

A condition characterized by polyuria and polydipsia resulting from decreased production of ADH in central DI or kidney resistance in nephrogenic DI.

What are the diagnostics for diabetes insipidus?

A water deprivation test and a vasopressin test that shows improvement in central DI but not in nephrogenic DI.

What are the signs of diabetes insipidus?

Polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, weight loss, low urine specific gravity, and hypernatremia.

How is central diabetes insipidus treated?

Desmopressin, administered intranasal, oral, or subcutaneously.

What is the treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?

Thiazide diuretics and a low-sodium diet.

What is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

A condition caused by excess ADH leading to water retention and hyponatremia.

What are the signs of SIADH?

Decreased urine output, weight gain, nausea/vomiting, seizures, and confusion.

How is SIADH treated?

Fluid restriction, hypertonic saline IV therapy, diuretics, and demeclocycline.

What are the signs of congenital hypothyroidism?

Large fontanel, thick tongue, hypotonia, constipation, prolonged jaundice, puffy face, and dry skin.

What is the treatment for congenital hypothyroidism?

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) administered daily and mixed with formula or breastmilk.

What causes hyperthyroidism, specifically Graves' disease?

An autoimmune response where TSH-receptor antibodies stimulate thyroid hormone production.

What are the signs of hyperthyroidism?

Goiter, weight loss, tachycardia, heat intolerance, and symptoms of a thyroid storm.

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?

Elevated T3/T4 levels and low TSH levels, with a thyroid scan for confirmation.

What medications are used to treat hyperthyroidism?

Methimazole, beta-blockers, and possibly surgery or radioactive iodine.

What are the signs of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?

Ambiguous genitalia in females, potential salt-wasting crises in males, vomiting, dehydration.

What is the primary treatment for CAH?

Hydrocortisone to replace cortisol and fludrocortisone for salt retention.

What is type 1 diabetes mellitus primarily caused by?

Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells.

What are the classic signs of type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?

FPG greater than 126, random glucose greater than 200, or A1C over 6.5%.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

An acute crisis characterized by high blood glucose levels, ketones, acidosis, and dehydration.

What are the initial treatments for DKA?

IV fluid bolus of normal saline, IV insulin drip, and electrolyte correction.

What are the signs of DKA?

Fruity breath, Kussmaul breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, and decreased level of consciousness.

What is the definition of delayed puberty?

No signs of puberty by age 13 for girls or age 14 for boys.

What are potential causes of acquired hypothyroidism?

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), effects from radiation or surgery.

What are nursing priorities for infection risk in endocrine disorders?

Monitor for signs of infection, assess blood sugar levels, and provide education on steroid use.

What are common nursing interventions for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Educate about lifestyle changes, monitor blood sugar levels, and teach about medication adherence.