NPTE Endocrine and Metabolic Systems Summary

NPTE Course Overview

• Focus on clinical application for safe and effective patient care.

• Exam includes evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions.

Test Content Outline

• Effective January 2018.

• Covers various body systems with specified item ranges:

  • Cardiovascular/Pulmonary: 51-60 items

  • Musculoskeletal: 51-60 items

  • Neuromuscular: 44-50 items

  • Metabolic/Endocrine: 5-7 items

Thyroid Disorders

• Thyroid: Anterior/lower neck; regulates metabolic rate with T3/T4.

• Disorders:

  • Hyperthyroidism: Increased metabolism, symptoms include tremors, anxiety, heat intolerance.

  • Hypothyroidism: Decreased metabolism, symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance.

Parathyroid Disorders

• Maintains serum calcium levels through PTH.

• Disorders:

  • Hyperparathyroidism: Symptoms include lethargy, proximal muscle weakness.

  • Hypoparathyroidism: Symptoms include muscle cramps, hypocalcemia.

Adrenal Disorders

• Adrenal glands regulate glucocorticoids and catecholamines.

• Disorders:

  • Cushing Syndrome: Symptoms include hypertension, moon facies, muscle wasting.

  • Addison Disease: Symptoms include hypotension, dark skin pigmentation, fatigue.

Diabetes

• Chronic disorder affecting insulin production or action.

• Types:

  • Type I: No insulin.

  • Type II: Insulin resistance.

• Symptoms: Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss in Type I.

• Blood glucose levels:

  • Normal: <100 mg/dL

  • Diabetes: >125 mg/dL

Acid-Base Imbalances

• Main pH Buffers:

  • Blood buffer system, pulmonary, renal excretion.

• Acidosis/Alkalosis causes and symptoms:

  • Respiratory Acidosis: Confusion, lethargy.

  • Metabolic Acidosis: Nausea, vomiting.

  • Symptoms vary by type.

Important Clinical Considerations

• Exercise recommendations for diabetic patients.

• Blood glucose monitoring pre and post-exercise.

• Parameters for iontophoresis and potential for skin irritation.