Endocrine System Disorders:

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering pathophysiology, diagnostic findings, pharmacology, priority nursing concerns, and acute decompensations across thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal disorders.

Hypothyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid gland fails to secrete adequate thyroid hormones, characterized by elevated TSH, and decreased T3 and T4 levels.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Dry skin, constipation, lethargy, enlarged tongue, course hair/hair loss, brittle nails, unemotional expression, impaired hearing, facial/ eyelid edema,

Liothyronine

A thyroid medication prescribed in hypothyroidism that acts as a synthetic substitute for the hormone T3.

Levothyroxine

A thyroid hormone replacement medication prescribed in hypothyroidism that substitutes for endogenous T4.

Late clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism

Below normal temperature, bradycardia, weight gain, increased loss of consciousness, thickened skin

Thyrotoxicity

A severe adverse condition during thyroid hormone replacement therapy marked by tachycardia, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and mental status changes.

Myxedema

A severe decompensation state of hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

The hypersecretion of thyroid hormones associated with decreased TSH and elevated T3 and T4 levels.

Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Goiter, bulging eyes, weight loss, heat intolerance, highly excitable, restless, diarrhea

Propylthiouracil (PTU) and Methimazole (Tapazole)

Antithyroid medications that decrease T3 and T4 levels, requiring patient monitoring for the development of agranulocytosis.

Thyroid Storm

An acute decompensated hyperthyroid crisis characterized by extreme tachycardia, hypertension, fever, comatose state, and tremors or seizures, treated with cooling and propranolol.

Diabetes Insipidus

A pituitary disorder characterized by the excretion of extremely large amounts of urine

Nursing Care for DI

• seizure and stroke precautions

• Strict input and output

• IV fluid replacement

• Daily Weight

Signs and Symptoms of Decomp in DI

• Increased confusion

• extreme lethargy

• sudden weight changes

• seizures

• hyponatremia

Signs and Symptoms of DI

Weight loss, dehydration, excessive and constant thirst, excessive urination

Medications for DI

Thiazide Diuretics & indomethacin

SIADH

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, in which the kidneys reabsorb excessive water rather than excreting it

Signs and symptoms of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

• water retention

• headache

• muscle cramps

• anorexia

• muscle twitching

Labs for SIADH

low serum sodium, low serum osmolarity

Urine has high specific gravity & concentration

Signs and Symptoms of decomp in SIADH

increased loss of consciousness, altered mental status, excess fluid

Meds for SIADH

Osmitrol, loop diuretics (furosemide), 3% sodium chloride (for hypernatremia)

Addison's Disease

The adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones specifically cortisol and aldosterone

Signs and Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

Bronze pigmentation of skin, GI disturbances, muscle weakness, anorexia, weight loss, postural hypotension, changes in body hair distribution

Adrenal Crisis

A life-threatening decompensation of Addison's disease characterized by fever, syncope, decreased level of consciousness, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, shock, dehydration, low blood pressure, hyperkalemia, increased blood urea nitrogen.

requiring IV glucocorticosteroids and IV dextrose.

Cushing's Disease

An adrenal disorder marked by overproduction of adrenocortical hormones due to pituitary tumors or corticosteroid overuse

Signs and Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease

Personality changes, hyperglycemia, dependent edema, purple striae, thin skin, moon face, buffalo hump, bruising

Medications for Cushing’s Syndrome

• Loop Diuretics for edema

• hormone therapy, such as testosterone to lower cortisol levels

• Hyperglycemic meds such as Metformin

Metformin (in Cushing's Disease)

An oral hyperglycemic agent utilized in Cushing's disease to control elevated blood glucose levels and secondary metabolic complications.