Cushing & Addison Disease Vocabulary Practice

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the physiology, assessment findings, and treatments for adrenal cortex and medulla disorders as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cortisol

A corticosteroid produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates inflammation and immunity and increases blood glucose levels.

Aldosterone

A corticosteroid that increases $Na^+$ and fluid retention, increases $BP$, and increases renal $K$ excretion, leading to decreased $K^+$ levels.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner part of the adrenal gland that produces catecholamines, specifically epinephrine and norepinephrine, to activate the fight or flight response.

Addison Disease

A primary adrenocortical insufficiency characterized by corticosteroid deficiency, findings include weight loss, low $BP$, and skin hyperpigmentation.

Cushing Syndrome

A condition of corticosteroid excess characterized by weight gain, high $BP$, and features such as a moon face.

Addisonian Crisis

An acute, life-threatening state of adrenal insufficiency presenting as shock, hypoglycemia ($\downarrow$ glucose), and hyperkalemia ($\uparrow K^+$).

Bronze Skin

An assessment finding in Addison disease caused by an increase in melanin production due to decreased cortisol levels.

STOP Acronym

Nursing considerations for corticosteroids: $S$ugar (monitor blood sugar), $T$aper (do not stop abruptly), $O$steoporosis (encourage calcium and weight-bearing exercise), and $P$revent infection.

Peaked T waves

An $ECG$ finding indicative of hyperkalemia ($\uparrow K^+$), which is a common risk in Addison disease.

Flat or inverted T waves

An $ECG$ finding indicative of hypokalemia ($\downarrow K^+$), which is an assessment finding in Cushing syndrome and Conn syndrome.

Conn Syndrome

Also known as hyperaldosteronism, this condition involves excess aldosterone causing hypertension, hypernatremia, and hypokalemia.

Spironolactone

A medication used in Conn syndrome to block aldosterone, promote sodium and water excretion, and conserve potassium ($K^+$).

Ketoconazole

An adrenal-suppressing medication used to decrease cortisol production in clients with Cushing syndrome.

Pheochromocytoma

A rare adrenal medulla tumor causing increased catecholamine release, resulting in rapid, severe increases in $BP$ and $HR$.

Adrenalectomy

The surgical removal of adrenal glands; bilateral removal requires lifelong corticosteroid replacement.