Med Surg llll exam 4 study guide

v Pathophysiology

♦   Fluid & Electrolyte/ Fluid compartments

The study of the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury, particularly in relation to fluid and electrolyte balance and distribution within body compartments.

♦   Fluid & Electrolyte/ Electrolyte imbalance

A condition where the body's electrolyte levels are disrupted, affecting normal physiological functions and fluid balance.

Hypokalemia

A condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and cardiac disturbances. It can result from various factors, including excessive loss through urine, gastrointestinal tract, or inadequate dietary intake.

♦   SIADH

A syndrome characterized by excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and concentrated urine.

♦   Transport of water/electrolytes

The movement of water and electrolytes across cell membranes, crucial for maintaining fluid balance and cellular function in the body.

♦   Metabolic acidosis

A condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body due to either increased acid production, decreased acid excretion, or a loss of bicarbonate. It leads to a decrease in blood pH and can result from various causes, including kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or lactic acidosis.

♦   Hypocalcemia

A condition resulting from low levels of calcium in the blood, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and tingling sensations. It can be caused by various factors including vitamin D deficiency and certain medical conditions.

♦   Hypothyroidism

A disorder characterized by an underactive thyroid gland that fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.

♦   Thyroid storm

A life-threatening condition that occurs when an individual with hyperthyroidism has an acute exacerbation of symptoms. It is marked by severe agitation, fever, rapid heart rate, and can lead to heart failure if not treated promptly.

♦   Hypokalemia

A condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and heart arrhythmias.

♦   Respiratory acidosis

A medical condition resulting from an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH. It can occur due to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or respiratory failure.

♦   Fluid volume overload

A condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues or cavities, often resulting in symptoms such as swelling, shortness of breath, and elevated blood pressure. It can be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, or excessive fluid intake.

♦   Cushing's triad

A clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular or abnormal respirations, indicating increased intracranial pressure, often seen in cases of brain injury or hemorrhage.

♦   Hypocalcemia

A medical condition marked by low levels of calcium in the blood, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, numbness, and increased risk of fractures. It can be caused by inadequate dietary intake, vitamin D deficiency, or certain medical disorders.

♦   Hypoglycemia

A medical condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. It can result from excessive insulin, prolonged fasting, or certain medications.

♦   Myxedema crisis

A severe form of hypothyroidism that can lead to decreased mental status, hypothermia, and multiple organ failures, requiring immediate medical treatment.

♦   Dehydration

A condition resulting from excessive loss of water and salts in the body, leading to symptoms like thirst, dry skin, dizziness, and fatigue. It can occur due to insufficient fluid intake, excessive sweating, or certain medical conditions.

♦   Acid/base disturbances

A condition characterized by an imbalance in the body's acid-base homeostasis, which can lead to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, affecting various bodily functions.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. It can cause serious complications if left untreated.

♦   Pituitary gland surgery

A surgical procedure to remove tumors or abnormalities from the pituitary gland, which can affect hormone production and overall health.

♦   Addison's disease/post op care

Addison's disease is a disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones, often requiring monitoring and hormone replacement therapy in post-operative care.

♦   Ketoacidosis  

A serious condition resulting from uncontrolled diabetes, characterized by high levels of ketones and glucose in the blood, leading to acidosis. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and confusion.

♦   Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and increased sweating.

♦   Hypothyroidism  

A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.

♦   Hyperthyroidism

A condition resulting from the overactivity of the thyroid gland, characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as increased metabolism, irritability, and heat intolerance.

♦   Hypomagnesemia

A condition characterized by low magnesium levels in the blood, which can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms.

♦   IV therapy

A medical treatment that involves delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream through a vein.

♦   Insulin therapy

A treatment for diabetes that involves the administration of insulin to help control blood sugar levels.

♦   Pituitary tumor surgery

A surgical procedure to remove tumors from the pituitary gland, which can affect hormone production and cause various health issues.

♦ Treatment  Hypoglycemia

A medical intervention aimed at raising blood sugar levels in individuals experiencing low glucose levels, often involving the administration of glucose or glucagon.

 Treatment Hypothyroidism

A medical approach aimed at managing hypothyroidism by providing hormone replacement therapy, usually with levothyroxine, to restore normal thyroid hormone levels.

♦Factors  Hyperthyroidism

A medical intervention to regulate excessive thyroid hormone production, which may include medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.

♦ Complications  Hypomagnesemia

A condition characterized by low magnesium levels in the blood, often managed through dietary supplementation or intravenous magnesium.

Complications ♦   IV therapy

used to correct low magnesium levels and other electrolyte imbalances while monitoring the patient's overall health.

Complications ♦   Insulin therapy

A treatment method involving the administration of insulin to manage blood glucose levels, particularly important for patients with diabetes. It can prevent complications related to insulin deficiency or insulin resistance.

Complications ♦   Pituitary tumor surgery

Surgical intervention on the pituitary gland that can lead to various complications, including hormonal imbalances, vision changes, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Complications ♦   Hypoglycemia

a condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, which can result in symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fainting, often requiring prompt treatment.

   Complications Hypothyroidism

refers to various health issues that can arise from an underactive thyroid, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, and cardiovascular problems.

v Nursing interventions  

♦   IV potassium therapy

are medical actions taken to manage and treat patients' conditions, focusing on promoting recovery and preventing further complications.

Nursing interventions    Myxedema

are critical actions performed to address myxedema, a severe form of hypothyroidism, involving hormone replacement therapy, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring adequate warmth.

v Laboratory interpretation

♦   TSH

is the process of analyzing thyroid-stimulating hormone levels to assess thyroid function and diagnose conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

♦v Laboratory interpretation   Diabetes A1C

is the assessment of hemoglobin A1C levels to evaluate long-term blood glucose control in patients with diabetes.

♦  Laboratory interpretation   Ketoacidosis

is the process of evaluating metabolic acidosis due to excessive ketone bodies, often associated with uncontrolled diabetes, to guide treatment and management.

v Discharge instructions  

♦   Hypokalemia

is the evaluation of low potassium levels in the blood, assessing causes and implications to inform treatment guidelines and ensure patient safety.

v Dosage calculation:

♦   mcg to tablets conversion

determining the number of tablets needed based on the prescribed dosage in micrograms.

v Medication teaching

♦   Radioiodine

is a treatment method using radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid tissue. It is commonly used to manage hyperthyroidism and certain types of thyroid cancer.

Medication teaching Levothyroxine

involves educating patients on the proper use, dosage, and possible side effects of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.