Adrenal Glands and Pituitary Disorders

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the adrenal glands, pituitary disorders, diabetes insipidus, and diabetic emergencies.

Adrenal Medulla

Inner part of the adrenal gland responsible for secreting catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Pheochromocytoma

A tumor of the adrenal medulla that can cause excessive secretion of catecholamines, resulting in symptoms like hypertension and anxiety.

Catecholamines

Hormones produced by the adrenal medulla, including epinephrine and norepinephrine, that prepare the body for a fight-or-flight response.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that is activated during stressful situations, involving catecholamine release.

Hypertensive Crisis

A severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke, particularly concerning in patients with pheochromocytoma.

Adrenalectomy

Surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands, commonly performed to treat conditions like pheochromocytoma.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone produced by the posterior pituitary that helps control water balance in the body by reducing urine output.

Diabetes Insipidus

A condition characterized by excessive thirst and urination caused by insufficient ADH production or kidney response.

Polyuria

The production of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine, often seen in diabetes insipidus.

Polydipsia

Excessive thirst, commonly associated with conditions causing polyuria.

Serum Osmolality

A measure of solute concentration in the blood, critical in diagnosing conditions like diabetes insipidus.

Urine Specific Gravity

A measure of urine concentration; low specific gravity indicates dilute urine, as seen in diabetes insipidus.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

A condition characterized by excessive secretion of ADH, leading to fluid retention and hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium concentration in the blood, often a result of excessive fluid retention in conditions like SIADH.

Kussmaul Respiration

Deep and labored breathing pattern often associated with metabolic acidosis, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A life-threatening diabetes complication that occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones due to insufficient insulin.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

A serious condition in type 2 diabetes involving extreme hyperglycemia without significant ketosis.

IV Fluids

Intravenous fluids used to rehydrate and correct electrolyte imbalances in conditions such as DKA and HHS.

Insulin Drip

Continuous intravenous administration of insulin, primarily used in the treatment of DKA.

Electrolyte Monitoring

The process of regularly checking electrolyte levels, particularly potassium, during the treatment of diabetic emergencies.

Fluid Overload

A condition where excessive fluid accumulation leads to symptoms such as increased blood pressure and pulmonary congestion.