Assessment and Management of Patients with Endocrine Disorders

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on the assessment and management of endocrine disorders.

Endocrine System

Plays a vital role in cellular interactions, metabolism, growth, reproduction, aging, and response to adverse conditions.

Negative feedback mechanism

A regulatory mechanism in which a system responds to a disturbance by reducing the effect of that disturbance.

Thyroid gland

Releases thyroid hormone for regulation of metabolism and growth, and thyrocalcitonin for bone development.

Parathyroid

Regulates calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the body.

Adrenal glands

Release aldosterone, mineralocorticoids, androgens, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Hypothalamus

A neuroendocrine gland that stimulates the pituitary gland to release or withhold hormones.

Pituitary gland

Divided into anterior and posterior lobes; releases several hormones regulating growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Thymus

Produces humoral factors key to the development of immunity.

Pancreas

Releases insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin for regulation of blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone that promotes movement and storage of carbohydrate, protein, and fat.

Glucagon

Increases blood glucose levels by promoting glucose release from the liver.

Somatostatin

Inhibits release of glucagon and insulin from pancreas.

Hyperpituitarism

Excess secretion of pituitary hormones leading to various conditions like Cushing's syndrome.

Hypopituitarism

Deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones, leading to conditions like dwarfism.

Diabetes Insipidus

A disorder characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to ADH deficiency.

Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH (SIADH)

Excessive secretion of ADH leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia.

Hypothyroidism

Reduced or absent hormone secretion from the thyroid gland resulting in decreased metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

Excessive thyroid hormone production leading to increased metabolism.

Cushing's Syndrome

A condition caused by excessive adrenocortical activity leading to symptoms like obesity and hypertension.

Addison's Disease

Adrenocortical insufficiency leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances.

Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be acute or chronic.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Treatment involving replacement of deficient hormones in endocrine disorders.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates the production of corticosteroids from the adrenal cortex.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Triggers ovulation and stimulates production of testosterone.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in women and sperm production in men.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Regulates water retention in the kidneys; also known as vasopressin.

Oxytocin

Stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

Calcitonin

Hormone produced by the thyroid that reduces blood calcium levels.

Hypoglycemia

Abnormally low blood glucose levels, often due to excessive insulin.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis.

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (HHS)

A serious condition resulting from severe hyperglycemia and dehydration.

Cretinism

Severe hypothyroidism in infants leading to stunted growth and mental disability.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland, can result from hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Cancer

Malignant growth in the thyroid gland, often requiring surgical intervention.

Pheochromocytoma

A tumor of the adrenal medulla that causes overproduction of catecholamines.

Hyperaldosteronism

Excess secretion of aldosterone leading to increased sodium retention and high blood pressure.

Hypoparathyroidism

Decreased function of the parathyroid glands leading to low calcium levels in the blood.

Tetany

Muscle spasms caused by low calcium levels, often associated with hypoparathyroidism.

Chvostek's Sign

Facial spasm upon tapping of the facial nerve, indicating hypocalcemia.

Trousseau's Sign

Carpopedal spasm induced by occluding blood flow to the arm, indicating hypocalcemia.

Lifelong Management

Continuous therapy required for chronic endocrine disorders such as thyroid and adrenal conditions.

Monitoring

Regular assessment necessary to manage endocrine disorders effectively.

Insulin Administration

The process of providing insulin to patients with diabetes, either via injection or pump.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Regular tests to assess glucose levels in patients with diabetes.

Weight Management

Crucial part of diabetes management to maintain overall health.