Endocrine System and Diabetes Mellitus Flashcards

100 Question and Answer flashcards covering Endocrine System fundamentals, Diabetes Mellitus Types 1 and 2, Metabolic Syndrome, and associated nursing considerations.

What is the primary function of glands in the endocrine system?

To store and secrete hormones that regulate homeostasis in the body.

What is the role of the Hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

It coordinates the production and release of hormones.

What is the role of the Pituitary Gland?

It secretes hormones that regulate most of the other endocrine glands.

What are the two primary functions of the Pancreas?

Endocrine (secreting insulin or glucagon) and Exocrine (secreting enzymes for digestion).

Which pancreatic function involves secreting insulin or glucagon?

Endocrine function.

Which pancreatic function involves secreting enzymes like amylase and lipase?

Exocrine function.

What enzymes are secreted by the exocrine pancreas for digestion?

Amylase and lipase.

What is the function of Glucagon?

It is released in response to blood glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia.

What is the role of Insulin in the body?

It is the key hormone that unlocks the cell to allow absorption of glucose.

What happens to carbohydrates (CHO) after eating the digestive system breaks them down?

They are broken into simple sugars called glucose.

What value constitutes a diagnostic Fasting Blood Sugar in the lecture notes?

$$125\,mg/dL$$

What value constitutes a diagnostic Postprabdial blood sugar level?

Greater than $180\,mg/dL$

What does Hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c) measure?

Average blood glucose over the last $2\text{-}3$ months.

What is the HgA1c goal mentioned in the notes?

Less than $6\%$

How is glucose carried to the brain and muscles for fuel?

By the circulatory system.

Where is insulin specifically produced in the pancreas?

In the islets of Langerhans.

Which specific cells in the islets of Langerhans produce insulin?

Beta cells.

To which three types of cells does insulin bind receptors?

Liver, muscle, and fat cells.

What happens to circulating glucose concentration as glucose binds to cell receptors?

Glucose enters the cell and the concentration of circulating glucose decreases.

How is the pathophysiology of insulin lack defined?

The cells can’t take up the glucose and create energy from it.

What processes does the liver use to stimulate glucose production?

Gluconeogenesis and gylconolysis.

How is Gluconeogenesis defined?

Creating glucose from non-CHO sources like proteins, lipids, pyruvate, or lactate.

What are the four non-CHO sources for gluconeogenesis listed?

Proteins, lipids, pyruvate, or lactate.

Where does Glycogenlysis mainly occur?

In the hepatocytes of the liver and myocytes of the muscles.

Which specific cells of the liver are involved in Glycogenlysis?

Hepatocytes.

Which specific cells of the muscles are involved in Glycogenlysis?

Myocytes.

What are the three ‘P’ signs of hyperglycemia in nursing considerations?

Polyuria, dipsia, and phagia.

What is the nursing observation for urine output in hyperglycemia?

Increased urine output.

What is the polydipsia (dipsia) sign in hyperglycemia?

Thirst.

What happens to body weight during hyperglycemia according to the notes?

Weight loss.

What is the state of mucous membranes in hyperglycemia?

Dry mucous membrane.

What happens to blood pressure in hyperglycemia?

Low blood pressure.

What happens to the heart rate (HR) in hyperglycemia?

Increased HR.

How does hyperglycemia affect mental status?

It causes changes in mental status.

What gastric symptom is associated with hyperglycemia?

Abdominal pain and N&V.

What breathing characteristic is indicative of hyperglycemia?

Fruity breath.

What is the tachypnea pattern in hyperglycemia?

Tachypnea shallow.

What are the foundational management steps for hyperglycemia?

Excercise, diet, take meds, and control BS.

What blood sugar level indicates hypoglycemia?

Less than $70\,mg/dL$

What system is triggered when the circulatory system detects hypoglycemia?

The sympathetic nervous system.

Which two hormones does the sympathetic nervous system trigger for release during hypoglycemia?

Epinephrine and noeepinephrine.

From which glands are epinephrine and noeepinephrine released?

Adrenal glands.

Where are the adrenal glands located?

On top of the kidneys.

What is the role of epinephrine and noeepinephrine reserves during hypoglycemia?

They cause the reserve of sugar in the form of glucose to release into the blood stream.

What is the pancreas's hormonal response to hypoglycemia?

Pancreas releases glucagon to increase blood glucose.

Which cranial symptom is common in hypoglycemia?

Headache.

Which skin symptom is associated with hypoglycemia nursing considerations?

Sweating.

What heart rate symptom is associated with hypoglycemia?

Tachycardia.

What psychological symptoms are considerations for hypoglycemia?

Irritability and restlessness.

What neurological symptoms are considerations for hypoglycemia?

Dizziness and irritability.

What appetite symptom is indicative of hypoglycemia?

Excessive hunger.

What energy symptom is associated with hypoglycemia?

Tiredness.

What is the standard PO treatment for fast-acting CHO in hypoglycemia?

$$15\text{-}20\,gms$$

What liquid items are examples of fast-acting CHO PO?

Juices and soda.

How much sugar is recommended as a fast-acting CHO?

Sugar teaspoon.

How many glucose tablets are suggested for hypoglycemia?

4 glucose tablets.

What is the STAT injectable treatment for hypoglycemia?

Injectable glucogan.

What is Diabetes Mellitus 1 (DM1)?

An autoimmune disease causing destruction of beta cells which leads to a loss of insulin production.

What are the potential triggers or factors for DM1?

Genetic disorder, environmental triggers, family Hx, and age.

How does DM1 impact life expectancy?

It lowers life expectancy.

What BS risk is associated with DM1?

Increased risk for unstable BS’s.

What psychological symptoms are mentioned for DM1?

Depression and anxiety.

What sleep issue is associated with DM1?

Sleep disturbance.

What skin consideration is listed for DM1 patients?

Skin disorders.

What sensory symptoms occur in the hands and feet in DM1?

Numbness and tingling.

Where is the loss of sensation typically found in DM1?

In the extemitiews.

What is the diagnostic Fasting BS level for DM1?

Greater than $126\,mg/dL$

What HgA1c level is diagnostic for DM1?

A1c greater than $7\%$

What is the diagnostic Non-fasting BS value for DM1?

$$200\,mg/dL$$

What urine finding is secondary to DM1 labs?

Acetone in urine.

What happens to C-peptide levels in DM1?

They will be decreased.

What is the serious risk associated with DM1 and high blood sugar?

Risk for DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis).

At what blood sugar level does the risk for DKA increase in DM1?

BS greater than $200\,mg/dL$

What is the blood gas pH value in DKA?

$$7.3$$

What is the $HCO_3$ (bicarbonate) level in DKA?

Less than $15\,mEq/L$

What is a positive finding in a urinalysis for DM1?

Positive for sugar.

What should a nurse monitor for a DM1 patient?

V/S’s, BS, diet, activity, and skin wounds.

What medication should be provided as ordered for DM1?

Meds as ordered (Insulin).

What is the PT ED instruction for daily weights?

Daily weights at the same time, using the same clothes and scale.

What is the PT ED instruction for skin care?

Skin day care and treatment.

What specific foot care instruction is given for socks?

White socks only.

What instruction should be given regarding specialists for DM1?

Instruction on the importance of eye care.

What are the four categories of Insulin mentioned?

Rapid, Short, intermediate, and long.

What insulin tools are mentioned for patient education?

Insulin pen, insulin pump, and syringes.

What must the patient be instructed on regarding syringe use?

Use of syringes and desposal.

What is the instruction for insulin injection locations?

Sites and rotation.

How does Metformin work?

It acts on the beta cells and lowers the amount of glucose made by the liver.

What is a major side effect/risk of Metformin?

Increased lactic acid.

What class of drug is Canagliflizon?

A sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

How does Canagliflizon lower blood sugar?

By increasing the amount of glucose excreted into urine.

How is Metabolic Syndrome defined in the notes?

Many health conditions in one.

What type of obesity is found in Metabolic Syndrome?

Visceral (central) obesity.

What cardiovascular condition is part of Metabolic Syndrome?

HTN (Hypertension).

What is the glucose status in Metabolic Syndrome?

Insulin resistance.

What is the lipid profile found in Metabolic Syndrome?

High triglycerides and low HDL.

What cardiovascular physical sign is associated with MS?

Cardiac arrhythmia.

What reproductive condition is associated with Metabolic Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome.

What are the three components of the 'Hyper' triad in MS?

HYPERGLYCEMIA, HYPERTENSION, and HYPERLIPIDEMIA.

What health outcomes are associated with DM2 and MS?

Stroke and cancer.

What lifestyle habits should be stopped to manage MS?

Stop smoking and alchool.