Thyroid and Endocrine Physiology Q&A Flashcards

A set of 100 flashcards focused on the key concepts of thyroid physiology, diabetes, and medication management in endocrine disorders.

Hypothalamus

Regulates the thyroid gland by releasing TRH.

Thyroid hormones

T3, T4, and calcitonin are produced by the thyroid.

Calcitonin

Lowers blood calcium levels.

High TSH, Low T3/T4

Indications of hypothyroidism.

Cretinism

Infant congenital hypothyroidism.

Myxedema coma

Severe, life-threatening form of hypothyroidism.

Goiter

Occurs when TSH overstimulates the thyroid in hypothyroidism.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Medication for hypothyroidism.

Taking levothyroxine

Should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.

4 hours

Time to separate calcium, iron, antacids from levothyroxine.

Full effect of Levothyroxine

Takes several weeks.

Abruptly stopping levothyroxine

Not allowed; it is a lifelong therapy.

Hyperthyroidism indications

Low TSH and high T3/T4 levels.

Graves disease

Autoimmune hyperthyroidism causing bulging eyes (exophthalmos).

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Weight loss, heat intolerance, tachycardia, tremors, diarrhea.

Thyroid storm

Life-threatening hyperthyroidism characterized by fever and tachycardia.

PTU (Propylthiouracil)

Medication for hyperthyroidism that inhibits hormone production.

High iodine foods

To be avoided while on PTU (e.g., seafood, iodized salt).

Agranulocytosis

Serious adverse effect of PTU requiring discontinuation.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Secreted by the parathyroid to raise blood calcium.

Signs of hypocalcemia

Tingling, twitching, tetany, positive Chvostek/Trousseau.

Signs of hypercalcemia

Bone pain, kidney stones, fractures.

Alendronate (Fosamax) administration

Should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Diabetes Type 1 pathophysiology

No insulin production due to autoimmune destruction.

Diabetes Type 2 pathophysiology

Insulin resistance and decreased insulin release.

Gestational diabetes

Occurs during pregnancy and increases risk of Type 2 diabetes.

DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)

Characterized by ketones, acidosis, fruity breath, Kussmaul breathing.

HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome)

Very high glucose (>800) without ketones.

Lispro and Aspart

Rapid-acting insulins with peak effects in 1-3 hours.

Regular insulin

Can be administered IV.

Mixing insulin order

Clear (Regular) before Cloudy (NPH).

Symptoms of hypoglycemia

Sweaty, shaky, confused, pale.

Treatment for conscious hypoglycemia

Give 15g of carbs, wait 15 minutes, recheck.

Treatment for unconscious hypoglycemia

Administer glucagon IM or D50 IV.

Metformin mechanism of action

Decreases liver glucose production.

When to hold metformin

24-48 hours before contrast dye to prevent lactic acidosis.

Glipizide action

Stimulates the pancreas to release insulin.

Biggest risk of glipizide

Hypoglycemia.

Who should avoid glipizide

Patients with a sulfa allergy.

Sitagliptin (Januvia) action

Increases insulin release and decreases glucagon.

Serious adverse effect to monitor on sitagliptin

Pancreatitis.

Prednisone administration

Should be taken in the morning with food.

Abruptly stopping steroids

Not allowed; taper to prevent adrenal crisis.

Steroids and blood sugar

Steroids can raise blood sugar levels.

Steroid inhalers precautions

Mouth rinsing to prevent thrush.

Cushing's syndrome symptoms

Moon face, buffalo hump, weight gain, hyperglycemia.

Addison's disease symptoms

Hyperpigmentation, hypotension, weight loss.

Adrenal crisis risk

Occurs if steroids are stopped suddenly.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Fast metabolism, heat intolerance, tachycardia, anxiety.

Thyroid function regulation

Hypothalamus → TRH → Pituitary → TSH → Thyroid → T3/T4.

Thyroid storm triggers

Stress, infection, trauma, surgery leading to severe symptoms.

PTU adverse effects

Monitor for fever/sore throat, RUQ pain, jaundice.

Negative feedback loop

A mechanism to regulate thyroid hormone release.

Signs of hypocalcemia from hypoparathyroid

Tingling and twitching, indicating calcium deficiency.

Food administration for alendronate

Full glass of water to facilitate absorption.

Type 2 diabetes major risk mechanism

Body’s cells become resistant to insulin.

Acidosis in DKA

Increased hydrogen ions due to ketone bodies.

Hypoglycemia protocols

Follow the Rule of 15s for conscious individuals.

Mixing insulins safety

Administer in the correct sequence to avoid contamination.

Long-acting insulin

Glargine (Lantus) with no peak effect.

Insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes

Decreased efficacy of insulin receptor signaling.

Role of calcitonin in calcium regulation

Lowers calcium by directing calcium deposition in bones.

Thyroid hormone production path

Regulated through a negative feedback from hypothalamus.

Common diabetes symptoms

Polyuria, polydipsia, unexplained weight loss.

Impact of adrenal crisis

Life-threatening situation requiring immediate hormonal treatment.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis

Fruity breath, Kussmaul respirations, high blood sugar.

Safety measures for steroid use

Avoid abrupt cessation to ensure adrenal recovery.

Dietary changes for diabetics

Careful carbohydrate management to regulate blood sugar.

Thyroid regulation feedback system

Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Cretinism presentation

Severe developmental delays due to untreated congenital hypothyroidism.