Reproductive and endocrine system disorders HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing

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Endometriosis

Abnormal endometrial growth outside the uterus → pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection-causing inflammation of reproductive organs → infertility risk.

Uterine Fibroids

Benign tumors in the uterus → heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).

Uterine Prolapse

Uterus descends into the vagina due to weak pelvic muscles/ligaments.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Lump, nipple changes, swelling, pain, skin dimpling.

Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Nausea, fatigue, hair loss, immunosuppression.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

Genetics, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle (smoking, obesity, alcohol).

Prostatitis Symptoms

Dysuria, fever, weak urine flow, pelvic pain.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Symptoms

Urinary retention, weak stream, incontinence.

Treatment for BPH

Medications (alpha-blockers), TURP surgery.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, blood in urine/semen.

Common Female Tests

Mammogram, Pap smear, STI tests, fertility tracking, ultrasound.

Common Male Tests

PSA test, Semen analysis, Testosterone levels.

Purpose of a Pap Smear

Detects abnormal cervical cells (cervical cancer screening).

Purpose of a PSA Test

Checks for prostate cancer markers.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

• Type 1: Autoimmune, no insulin, requires lifelong insulin.

• Type 2: Insulin resistance, managed with diet, oral meds, insulin.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms (<4mmol/L)

Shaky, dizzy, confused, sweating, tachycardia.

Hyperglycemia Symptoms (>7mmol/L)

Thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, blurred vision.

Cushing’s Syndrome Symptoms

Moon face, weight gain, thin skin, high BP, osteoporosis.

Addison’s Disease Symptoms

Fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, hyperpigmentation.

Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease) Symptoms

Tachycardia, weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors.

Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s) Symptoms

Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression.

Parathyroid Disorders

Hyperparathyroidism: Bone demineralization, fractures, kidney stones.
Hypoparathyroidism: Muscle spasms, low calcium levels.

HbA1C Test Purpose

Measures long-term blood glucose control (Diabetes).

TSH Test Purpose

Assesses thyroid function (Hyper/Hypothyroidism).

24-Hour Cortisol Test Purpose

Diagnoses Cushing’s or Addison’s disease.

Common Imaging Tests for Endocrine Disorders

MRI/CT (pituitary & adrenal gland issues).

Nursing Care for Diabetic Patients

Monitor BGL, insulin administration, educate on diet & foot care.

Post-Thyroidectomy Nursing Care

Monitor airway, calcium levels, thyroid hormone replacement.

Cushing’s Syndrome Nursing Considerations

Monitor BP, blood sugar, infection risk, skin integrity.

Addison’s Disease Nursing Considerations

Manage fatigue, BP, hormone replacement therapy.

Patient Education for Breast Cancer

Self-exam technique, chemo/radiotherapy side effects, emotional support.

Post-TURP Surgery Nursing Considerations

Monitor for bleeding, urinary retention, infection, pain management.

What is Cushing’s Disease?

caused by a pituitary tumor that leads to excess cortisol production.It results in weight gain, a moon face, high blood pressure, thin skin, and osteoporosis.

What is Addison’s Disease?

A condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. It leads to fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin hyperpigmentation.

What is Cushing’s Syndrome

Excess cortisol from external sources (e.g., prolonged steroid use).

What is Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease)?

• Overactive thyroid gland producing too much thyroxine (T3/T4).

• Symptoms: Weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, tachycardia, exophthalmos (bulging eyes).

• Treatment: Thioamide drugs, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine therapy.

What is Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s Disease)?

• Underactive thyroid gland, often due to autoimmune destruction.

• Symptoms: Weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, slow heart rate, depression.

• Treatment: Levothyroxine (T4) replacement therapy.

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

• T1DM (Type 1): Autoimmune destruction of beta cells → No insulin.

• T2DM (Type 2): Insulin resistance + impaired insulin secretion.

• Gestational Diabetes: Temporary insulin resistance during pregnancy.

What are the signs of Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia?

• (High blood sugar): Polyuria, polydipsia, blurred vision, fatigue.

• (Low blood sugar): Sweating, confusion, tremors, palpitations, unconsciousness.

• Nursing Care: Monitor BGL, insulin for hyperglycemia, glucose/juice for hypoglycemia.

What is Hyperparathyroidism?

• Excess PTH due to a benign tumour.

• Leads to bone demineralization, fractures, hypercalcemia.

What is Hypoparathyroidism?

• Low PTH (often after thyroid surgery).

• Causes hypocalcemia → muscle cramps, tetany, paresthesia.