Pituitary, Adrenocortical, Thyroid, and Antithyroid Medications

Practice flashcards covering pituitary functions, thyroid replacement therapies, antithyroid medications, and adrenocortical hormones based on nursing lecture notes.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the master controller of the endocrine system.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Characteristics include cold intolerance, slow heartbeat, weight gain, constipation, dry hair, hair loss, and lethargy.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Characteristics include bulging eyes (exophthalmos), heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, diarrhea, and goiter.

Myxedema

A condition defined as severe hypothyroidism in adults.

Cretinism

A condition defined as severe hypothyroidism in children.

Levothyroxine

A thyroid hormone replacement drug that increases metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, and body growth by increasing levels of $T_3$ and $T_4$.

Thyroid Storm

A severe adverse reaction associated with thyroid hormone replacement or hyperthyroidism, characterized by high fever, extreme tachycardia, and altered mental status.

Propylthiouracil

An antithyroid drug used to treat hyperthyroidism, Graves disease, or thyrotoxicosis by inhibiting the synthesis/release of thyroid hormones.

Exophthalmos

A condition of bulging eyes often seen in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Agranulocytosis

A serious adverse effect associated with the use of Propylthiouracil.

Radioactive iodine ($131I$)

A Category X treatment that accumulates in thyroid cells to destroy them; utilized because the thyroid has a natural affinity for iodine.

Addison’s disease

A disorder characterized by adrenal hyposecretion.

Glucocorticoids (cortisol)

Hormones that promote sodium and water retention and potassium excretion, typically controlled by ACTH.

Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)

Hormones controlled by the renin-angiotensin system that promote sodium/water retention and potassium excretion.

Prednisone

A glucocorticoid medication used to suppress inflammation and the immune system, treat allergic reactions, and prevent organ rejection.

Cushing’s disease signs

Adverse reactions to glucocorticoids including moon face, abnormal fat deposits, petechiae, thin skin, hyperglycemia, and muscle wasting.

Hypokalemia

An electrolyte imbalance (low potassium) characterized by nausea/vomiting, muscular weakness, abdominal distension, and irregular heart rate.

Levothyroxine Administration

The medication should be taken on an empty stomach $1/2$-$1$ hour before food, typically early in the morning.