Wk. 2 - Intro to Endocrine Disorders and Disorders of the Posterior Pituitary Gland Flashcards

What hormones does the hypothalamus produce that control the anterior pituitary?

Releasing and inhibiting hormones (e.g., TRH, CRH, GnRH).

Where are ADH and oxytocin produced and stored?

Produced in the hypothalamus, stored in the posterior pituitary.

What hormone stimulates thyroid hormone release?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

What pituitary hormone stimulates cortisol release?

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).

What are the two hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary?

ADH and oxytocin.

What is the main function of ADH?

Promotes water reabsorption and vasoconstriction.

What do T3 and T4 regulate?

Metabolism, growth, and cardiac stimulation.

What is the role of calcitonin?

Lowers serum calcium by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing renal calcium excretion.

What hormone does the parathyroid secrete?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH).

What is the function of PTH?

Increases serum calcium by stimulating bone resorption, activating vitamin D, and reducing renal calcium excretion.

What are the hallmark symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?

“Bones, stones, abdominal groans, psychic moans”

What hormones are secreted by the adrenal medulla?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine.

What are the functions of cortisol?

Stress response, metabolism regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects.

What is the role of aldosterone?

Sodium and water retention, potassium excretion.

What is the main pathophysiology of SIADH?

Excess ADH → water retention → dilutional hyponatremia, hypoosmolality, concentrated urine.

Name two common causes of SIADH.

Small-cell lung cancer, CNS disorders, pulmonary infections, certain drugs.

What are the key clinical manifestations of SIADH with Na

Confusion, lethargy, seizures, coma.

What is the pathophysiology of central diabetes insipidus?

Insufficient ADH secretion due to hypothalamus or pituitary damage.

What are classic signs of diabetes insipidus?

Polyuria, polydipsia, hypernatremia, dilute urine.

What is the mechanism of action of desmopressin?

Synthetic ADH analog that increases renal water reabsorption.

What is the most serious side effect of desmopressin?

Water intoxication and hyponatremia (can cause seizures, cerebral edema).

What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune) in the U.S.

What is the most severe form of hypothyroidism?

Myxedema coma (hypothermia, hypotension, hypoventilation, coma).

What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?

Graves’ disease (autoimmune stimulation of TSH receptor).

What is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid storm (hyperthermia, HF, seizures, coma).

What is the main nursing teaching for levothyroxine (Synthroid)?

Take in the morning on an empty stomach, 30–60 min before food, lifelong therapy.

What serious adverse effect should patients report when taking methimazole?

Sore throat or fever (may indicate agranulocytosis).

What black box warning is associated with PTU (propylthiouracil)?

Severe hepatotoxicity.

What are two key patient safety teachings for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy?

Avoid close contact with children/pregnant women; use separate toilet and utensils.

What is the treatment for acute hypoparathyroidism with symptomatic hypocalcemia?

IV calcium gluconate with ECG monitoring and seizure precautions.